Heartland Poker Tour Upcoming Events & they're coming 2 Denver area 2!

[CincyLady]

Found this on their website here (I think some of the locations have yet to be confirmed, as this was their carpool link on their website):

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/carpool.php

[ QUOTE ]

Grand Series at Grand Casino Mille Lacs (Aug 20, 2007 - Aug 27, 2007)


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Northern Lights Casino (Sep 12, 2007 - Sep 16, 2007)


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Golden Gates Casino (Oct 8, 2007 - Oct 14, 2007)


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Lucky Nugget Card Club (Oct 15, 2007 - Oct 21, 2007)


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Casino Del Sol (Nov 11, 2007 - Nov 18, 2007)


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The HPT Championship Open at Majestic Star (Dec 1, 2007 - Dec 9, 2007)



[/ QUOTE ]

Add to this their confirmed schedule here:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/events.php

[ QUOTE ]

Upcoming Heartland Poker Tour Events - 2007
Grand Series at Grand Casino Mille Lacs
08-20-2007 - 08-27-2007
Join us in the Heart of Minnesota Lakes country!

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Northern Lights Casino
09-12-2007 - 09-16-2007
Join the HPT in Walker, Minnesota. You could win $150 in our Bounty Tourney on the 13th!

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Golden Gates Casino
10-08-2007 - 10-14-2007
Colorado, we heard you loud and clear! We are coming!

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Lucky Nugget Card Club
10-15-2007 - 10-21-2007
The HPT returns to Deadwood and the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

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Meskwaki Casino
10-31-2007 - 11-03-2007
The HPT heads back to the state of Iowa for a big fall event.

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Casino Del Sol
11-11-2007 - 11-18-2007
Details to Follow / Event is Subject to Change

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The HPT Championship Open at Majestic Star
12-01-2007 - 12-09-2007
This is an OPEN registration event and will feature all 2007 HPT Champions



[/ QUOTE ]

The Golden Gates Casino BTW, is in Blackhawk, Colorado, about 40 miles from Denver. I don't think this one has been confirmed yet, but I sure hope it is, because I for one would love to play in such an event.

Has anyone ever played in an HPT event, and if so, what is normally the field like (soft, experience, or otherwise)??

Does anyone plan on attending any of the above events if they come off?

[Grasshopp3r]

It is wonderful that they are coming to Colorado. They picked the start of hunting season, though.

From what I have heard, the fields are incredibly soft. I may go to the Colordao event, but the limit is $5 for poker, so don't count on any side cash games. Perhaps I can host some cash games in Denver if there is demand.

[sopoRific]

This seems odd:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31
[ QUOTE ]
This event will feature several $300+40 qualifiers throughout the week.
Due to Colorado gaming law, there will be NO direct buy in option to the Main event. You must qualify to play the Main event.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm unfamiliar with the law around poker tournaments and the $5 limit (my only live CO tournament experience are the 55+5s at Golden Gates), but I'm not sure how a 300+40 is okay but a 1500+200 or so isn't.

Has HPT done other satellites-only tournaments elsewhere?

[Grasshopp3r]

Who knows what the gaming law is in Colorado as it is a crazy mess. There are larger buy ins, up to $450, that I have seen.

[CincyLady]

Yeah it can be weird here. The first hand of every no limit Tournament is played as limit to get around the gaming laws here, so that no one goes bust on the first hand and loses their entire bet. After the first hand though, it's back to NL for the rest of the event.

Grasshopper,

If you come, I suggest you check out these sites:

http://thegilpincasino.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemi d=227

and

http://www.ameristar.com/blackhawk/bh_ca_tablegames.asp


The Gilpin offers tournaments 4 times a day, so that might be one way to make some money.

http://thegilpincasino.com/images/pdf/0627brochure8.5x11.pdf

If you are a low limit specialist, you'll love our 'bingo' poker here (called that because the players here play just about any two cards in the hopes they'll 'bingo' on the river), because the top game that's spread, is 5/5 Limit, Dealers choice.

As for Hunting season, the people here are so hungry for a chance to be on TV, I think it'll hardly make a dent here, as most will flock to Blackhawk from the Denver area where the Bar Tours (the Denver Poker Tour and the Amature Poker Tour) are quite popular here.

[idrinkcoors]

Yes!! I'm going to play Golden Gates. Hope they go through with this.

[zaxx19]

Majestic Star is my home casino...my boy got like fifth in the tourney kid is an awesome player...I swear we have the hardest 2-5 lineup on earth out there...like 5 guys who have been playng poker 30+ years, and 3 guys like me or this kid who can comfortably play 5-10 and crush it in Vegas...and like 1 or 2 fish...

Makes it less odd that I barely play live anymore.

[CincyLady]

For those of you who might be coming to the Golden Gates event from outside the area, there are only 2 hotels that I know of in Blackhawk (well actually 3, as one of them is linked with the Isle of Capris).

This because the Gates Casino's (there are 3 of them) do not have a hotel, not even one between them.

Those are the Lodge Casino which is right across the street from The Golden Gates (that casino only has 50 rooms, so it fills up fast):

http://www.thelodgecasino.com/

[ QUOTE ]


Accomodations
Stay the Night

The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk offers 50 newly remodeled, comfortable rooms available for your enjoyment. All of our guest rooms are located on the 3rd floor with lovely Colorado mountain views. Plan your getaway today!

For rates and reservations, please call 303-582-6500.

Check-in time: 3:00 pm
Check-out time: 11:00 am

Sorry, we have a few restrictions:


No one under 21
No pets
No senior or military discounts



[/ QUOTE ]

and The Isle of Capris:

http://www.isleofcapricasinos.com/Black_Hawk/hotel.php

Which you can book online (they have a lot more rooms)

There is also the Colorado Central Station Casino Hotel, which is part of the Isle of Capris Casinos as well, that has a small hotel as well.

http://www.coloradocentralstation.com/

The rooms are a tad on the pricy side (for all 3 hotels), because they know that they don't have much in the way of competition.

For both the Isle and Colorado Station hotels, you can also call 1-800-THE-ISLE for more information.

BTW, it looks like it is going to happen, the only thing that could stop it now, is if the Colorado Gaming commision fudges it up or something.

I am also thinking that perhaps the reason why you can't buy in direct, is that (mabye) they (the HPT) want for the Main event to run as a No Limit from the get go, and they can't do that if it's a direct buy in (due to Colorado gaming laws).

It that's is it's only sticking point, I say they should allow that first hand to be limit, and then switch to NL (like they do for all tourneys here in Colorado that are played for money in Casinos) for the rest so ppl could buy directly in if they so choose to.

I also highly recommend that if you are coming for the cash games, that unless you are a low limit specialist in the game of "No Fold 'em hold 'em" then you might as well not come, because that's how they play up there (any two cards to the river).

That's not to say you can't come and take advantage of the Tourney's at the Gilpin (they run really good NL events as well), but unless you are really really good at low limit, they'll pretty much kick your buns here.

[52s]

When does it usually start snowing in the Rockies/Utah/Wyoming?

I've been pining to go back to Deadwood and that HPT stop looks like a good time, but the drive from Vegas (I'm a sicko) looks like it'd be rife with problems.

[BigBuffet]

Are the poker rooms non-smoking in CO?

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Are the poker rooms non-smoking in CO?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes and no.

You can't not smoke at the table, but for right now, you can smoke in the (slot machine) gaming areas, and for The Golden Gates Casino, that area is only a few steps away from the poker tables.

I say for right now, because there is a law that recently passed that will extend the no smoking in Public places (IE: Resturants and Bars and such) to the Casinos as of January 1st, 2008.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
When does it usually start snowing in the Rockies/Utah/Wyoming?

I've been pining to go back to Deadwood and that HPT stop looks like a good time, but the drive from Vegas (I'm a sicko) looks like it'd be rife with problems.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've only lived here a year and a half now (in the Denver area), but last year it snowed for the first time the end of September, first part of October.

Since Deadwood is further north, I would assume that it would be about the same thing.

[CincyLady]

BTW, as currently the only way to get into the Main Event (and thus the money/prize pool) is via a qualifier satallite, I will also say that I'm very used to this concept of the Qualifier satallite to get into a Main Event, as they did this all the time in Ohio when I lived there at the Reeses Charity events in Dayton, Ohio (which is about 50 miles north of Cincinnati where I lived).

I'm also thinking as well, that it might be that if you win multiple seats, and seats they just might be transferable, then you can play in the qualifier, win multiple seats, sell any extra seats to someone else, which might be a round about way someone else can buy directly in (by buying the ME seat from another person who won it).

It would also allow for someone who wants to make some money (by selling seats into the HPT ME) to do so in this mannor.


I'm not for sure about that aspect, though, but that is how they did it in Ohio, and in this event listed here below, that they are currently running in another city/state/location, they say the seats are transferable for that event:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=10

[ QUOTE ]

Late registrations into Flight A will be allowed until the end of the second level.
Win as many seats into the main event as you wish. They are transferable.
Please review Rules tab for more detailed information on Seat transfers.
If you advance into day 2 of the main event, these seats are NOT transferable and must be played by the person that advanced from day 1.
Each individual player will only be allowed to play one flight. (ie: If you bust out of flight “A”, you can not buy into flight “B” even if there are seats available)
Please review structure link for more detailed information.


[/ QUOTE ]

I will also point out that playing in such an (satallite) event, is a whole different animal.

The goal towards the end isn't to win the event, but to simply qualify.

Thus if you have a lot of chips, or even a lot more than most of the short stacks, when it's getting close to the bubble people, the best way to win your seat, is to not even LOOK at your cards, but to fold them, sight unseen, since there is no cash involved and everyone who qualifies will win the same prize, a seat into the main event.

I learned this the HARD way when there were 30 seats in an Charity event in Ohio, a bunch of ppl with a ton less chips than me, I look at my cards in the small blind after the Button (the chip leader) raised (he was making a button move), and I looked down and saw pocket aces. Button had 7 duce o/s, and had raised it to 5k, when I went all in, it was only 7k more to him, he called and the flop was 7, 7, duce. I got no help on the turn or river, and I was the bubble girl out in 31st place with no seat. The Main Event BTW, for this qualifier I played in, was where the GP was 10k.

I don't know a player alive that will fold pocket aces before the flop, and that includes me, so I learned that day, that it's best just not to look, if you have enough to last the blinds and antes for 5 or more rounds when it gets close.

Also, last but not least, the tournaments they run locally here in the casinos, they don't do antes, but I'm pretty sure this one will.

As a result, I think the field will be even softer, because the majority of the locals won't know how to play with Antes involved.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
This seems odd:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31
[ QUOTE ]
This event will feature several $300+40 qualifiers throughout the week.
Due to Colorado gaming law, there will be NO direct buy in option to the Main event. You must qualify to play the Main event.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm unfamiliar with the law around poker tournaments and the $5 limit (my only live CO tournament experience are the 55+5s at Golden Gates), but I'm not sure how a 300+40 is okay but a 1500+200 or so isn't.

Has HPT done other satellites-only tournaments elsewhere?

[/ QUOTE ]

The max you can buy into a poker tournament in CO is $500

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
That's not to say you can't come and take advantage of the Tourney's at the Gilpin (they run really good NL events as well), but unless you are really really good at low limit, they'll pretty much kick your buns here.

[/ QUOTE ]

These are the best tournaments in Colorado. The dealer's choice game there is very good also (but it is a $5 limit).

[sopoRific]

[ QUOTE ]
The max you can buy into a poker tournament in CO is $500

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah. It all makes sense now. Thanks.

[Ultra Violet]

I like the Gilpin. They have some great $100 tournaments. Some of the lower buy-ins can get a little crazy.

Their vig is a little steep, though. For a $100 tourney, $10 goes to the house and $1 to the bad beat jack pot, so only $89 of each entry goes in the prize pool. Plus, none of the house rake goes to the dealers, so you have to factor your tip in on top of that.

Other casinos do have tourneys with a lower vig, but for me, it's worth paying a little extra for the Gilpin. It's a nice room with comfortable seating and most of the dealers are pretty decent. A few lame newbies, but you get that almost anywhere up there.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
I like the Gilpin. They have some great $100 tournaments. Some of the lower buy-ins can get a little crazy.

Their vig is a little steep, though. For a $100 tourney, $10 goes to the house and $1 to the bad beat jack pot, so only $89 of each entry goes in the prize pool. Plus, none of the house rake goes to the dealers, so you have to factor your tip in on top of that.

Other casinos do have tourneys with a lower vig, but for me, it's worth paying a little extra for the Gilpin. It's a nice room with comfortable seating and most of the dealers are pretty decent. A few lame newbies, but you get that almost anywhere up there.

[/ QUOTE ]

The higher vig is because the tournaments take a long time to play (you get more chips, longer levels etc). If there was a demand for a lower vig shorter tournament I am pretty sure it would be spread.

[Ultra Violet]

[ QUOTE ]
The higher vig is because the tournaments take a long time to play (you get more chips, longer levels etc). If there was a demand for a lower vig shorter tournament I am pretty sure it would be spread.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a good point, but I probably used a bad example. That was for a 9pm tourney last Wednesday that only had fifteen minute blinds. They only allow so many rounds before they cut it off (eight maybe?) and award first place to the person with the most chips. Doh! I didn't realize it was a turbo format, but it worked out okay. If I remember right, the starting chip amount was $9,000.

I will have to check and see if the breakdown is the same for the 7pm Sunday night one. It usually has 4-8 tables and 20-minute rounds.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The higher vig is because the tournaments take a long time to play (you get more chips, longer levels etc). If there was a demand for a lower vig shorter tournament I am pretty sure it would be spread.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a good point, but I probably used a bad example. That was for a 9pm tourney last Wednesday that only had fifteen minute blinds. They only allow so many rounds before they cut it off (eight maybe?) and award first place to the person with the most chips. Doh! I didn't realize it was a turbo format, but it worked out okay. If I remember right, the starting chip amount was $9,000.

I will have to check and see if the breakdown is the same for the 7pm Sunday night one. It usually has 4-8 tables and 20-minute rounds.

[/ QUOTE ]

The niner is a bad example. It is a speed tournament. It starts at 9 you get 9k in chips and play for 9 levels.

edit: For full disclosure I do have some input into the Gilpin structures and would be interested in hearing if people are interested in different structures.

[Ultra Violet]

Heheheheh. Yeah, I agree. Bad example. But, I do like the Gilpin for tourneys. For me, it's definitely worth the extra few bucks.

I would probaly also mention to plan ahead and arrive early - sometimes they sell out faster than you'd expect. I wound up playing the 9er that night because the 7pm was huge and sold out before I got there. That's never happened to me before.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Heheheheh. Yeah, I agree. Bad example. But, I do like the Gilpin for tourneys. For me, it's definitely worth the extra few bucks.

I would probaly also mention to plan ahead and arrive early - sometimes they sell out faster than you'd expect. I wound up playing the 9er that night because the 7pm was huge and sold out before I got there. That's never happened to me before.

[/ QUOTE ]

See my edit in the post above. The wed 7pm always sless out at 80 before 6pm.

[bigeasy59]

http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[Ultra Violet]

Yeah, I usually get up there a lot earlier and hang out in a cash game, but last week I cut it too close. Darn day jobs!

The Sunday night $100 tourney is my favorite. I like the ratio of starting chips to blinds and people are more serious, but not too serious.

My vote would be for thirty-minute rounds, but I can see how that format would tie up more tables and dealers. In later rounds, when people take longer to make decisions the twenty-minute rounds can be a killer. Most of the dealers keep things moving along, but some hands just seem to take forever when the clock is ticking and the blinds are going to make a big jump.

[ravenfan1733]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[/ QUOTE ]

The best tournament in Colorado I don't see listed. It is the Sunday 2PM tournament at Colorado Central Station.

It is a $100 + $15 tournament with two rebuys at $100 each. The initial buy-in gives you 2,000 tournament chips. If you re-buy at the end of the second level, you will get 3,000 chips for each rebuy. Blinds start at 25/50 and rounds are 30 minutes long. So if you hold on to your starting stack of 2,000 and do the re-buys at the optimal time, you will have 8,000 chips going into the 3rd level which is 75/150. If you re-buy during the first or second level, you only get 2,000 chips instead of 3,000 chips.

Most tournaments in CO suck but this one is not bad; it usually lasts about 7-8 hours and has 66-80 participants.

[kenny7]

I will definately be at Golden Gates for this.Live in Denver at the moment,so looking forward to giving the HPT as shot.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[/ QUOTE ]

The best tournament in Colorado I don't see listed. It is the Sunday 2PM tournament at Colorado Central Station.

It is a $100 + $15 tournament with two rebuys at $100 each. The initial buy-in gives you 2,000 tournament chips. If you re-buy at the end of the second level, you will get 3,000 chips for each rebuy. Blinds start at 25/50 and rounds are 30 minutes long. So if you hold on to your starting stack of 2,000 and do the re-buys at the optimal time, you will have 8,000 chips going into the 3rd level which is 75/150. If you re-buy during the first or second level, you only get 2,000 chips instead of 3,000 chips.

Most tournaments in CO suck but this one is not bad; it usually lasts about 7-8 hours and has 66-80 participants.

[/ QUOTE ]

You think that is better than the 300 at 3pm on Sundays at the Gilpin? It is $100 with 2 $100 rebuys. For each $100 buy in you get $3k in chips, but you get $6k bonus chips if you take both rebuys up front to start with 15k in chips. The blind levels are 30 minutes each starting at 25-50.

edit to add: If you really think that one is better please let me know what makes it better to you.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
My vote would be for thirty-minute rounds, but I can see how that format would tie up more tables and dealers. In later rounds, when people take longer to make decisions the twenty-minute rounds can be a killer. Most of the dealers keep things moving along, but some hands just seem to take forever when the clock is ticking and the blinds are going to make a big jump.

[/ QUOTE ]

The 300 on Sundays has 30 minute levels. I don't think 30 minute levels are practical in a smaller buy-in event. The other problem in Colorado is these things have to end by closing time.

[ravenfan1733]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[/ QUOTE ]

The best tournament in Colorado I don't see listed. It is the Sunday 2PM tournament at Colorado Central Station.

It is a $100 + $15 tournament with two rebuys at $100 each. The initial buy-in gives you 2,000 tournament chips. If you re-buy at the end of the second level, you will get 3,000 chips for each rebuy. Blinds start at 25/50 and rounds are 30 minutes long. So if you hold on to your starting stack of 2,000 and do the re-buys at the optimal time, you will have 8,000 chips going into the 3rd level which is 75/150. If you re-buy during the first or second level, you only get 2,000 chips instead of 3,000 chips.

Most tournaments in CO suck but this one is not bad; it usually lasts about 7-8 hours and has 66-80 participants.

[/ QUOTE ]

You think that is better than the 300 at 3pm on Sundays at the Gilpin? It is $100 with 2 $100 rebuys. For each $100 buy in you get $3k in chips, but you get $6k bonus chips if you take both rebuys up front to start with 15k in chips. The blind levels are 30 minutes each starting at 25-50.

edit to add: If you really think that one is better please let me know what makes it better to you.


[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't played the Gilpin so I can't really comment on their Sunday 300. I saw a tournament sheet on Gilpin tournaments about a year ago and I was turned off by the extremely high vig - if I recall, they were charging $15 vig on buy-ins as low as $50. Perhaps they have changed this??

Is the Gilpin 300 structure and vig posted somewhere? Too lazy to look at the moment.

thanks

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
I like the Gilpin. They have some great $100 tournaments. Some of the lower buy-ins can get a little crazy.

Their vig is a little steep, though. For a $100 tourney, $10 goes to the house and $1 to the bad beat jack pot, so only $89 of each entry goes in the prize pool. Plus, none of the house rake goes to the dealers, so you have to factor your tip in on top of that.

Other casinos do have tourneys with a lower vig, but for me, it's worth paying a little extra for the Gilpin. It's a nice room with comfortable seating and most of the dealers are pretty decent. A few lame newbies, but you get that almost anywhere up there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah yes, but they are the ONLY Casino I know of that have a bad beat jackpot for TOURNAMENTS (aces full of Kings need to be beat to activate the Jackpot, and the hand has to be played all the way through to showdown).

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The higher vig is because the tournaments take a long time to play (you get more chips, longer levels etc). If there was a demand for a lower vig shorter tournament I am pretty sure it would be spread.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a good point, but I probably used a bad example. That was for a 9pm tourney last Wednesday that only had fifteen minute blinds. They only allow so many rounds before they cut it off (eight maybe?) and award first place to the person with the most chips. Doh! I didn't realize it was a turbo format, but it worked out okay. If I remember right, the starting chip amount was $9,000.

I will have to check and see if the breakdown is the same for the 7pm Sunday night one. It usually has 4-8 tables and 20-minute rounds.

[/ QUOTE ]

The niner is a bad example. It is a speed tournament. It starts at 9 you get 9k in chips and play for 9 levels.

edit: For full disclosure I do have some input into the Gilpin structures and would be interested in hearing if people are interested in different structures.


[/ QUOTE ]

RR, I for one would LOVE to see some events where we have longer blinds raise, and where you add in Antes into the mix.

You'll get the same results time wise (or at least it should) in regards to how long the events last, and it will give the locals practice on how to play with Antes.

Also, for the Record, I think the Gilpin has the best Tournaments in the Area, and I had suggested a number of times that you guys try to pull in the HPT, but was told they would never come to the Area, because the Gilpin felt that the HPT would think we were to small fry for them to come.

So, I guess the Golden Gates must of been more willing to take the chance.

I do love all the events you guys run, they are awsome, and not to run down the Golden Gates, but I wish you guys had been the ones to get the HPT there.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Heheheheh. Yeah, I agree. Bad example. But, I do like the Gilpin for tourneys. For me, it's definitely worth the extra few bucks.

I would probaly also mention to plan ahead and arrive early - sometimes they sell out faster than you'd expect. I wound up playing the 9er that night because the 7pm was huge and sold out before I got there. That's never happened to me before.

[/ QUOTE ]

The reason that the 7pm is sold out, is because they (the Gilpin) are currently running their Fan Radio Promo, which they are now running on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays.

Top 10 percent advance to another event the End of August, and the winner of that one wins a seat to the WPT event in December.

You really have to get there NLT 5:30pm (when they open up the 7pm for selling seats) standing in line when it opens, in order to get your seat when the Gilpin is running their Fan promo:

http://thegilpincasino.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemi d=228

The Promo:

http://thegilpincasino.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=122&Item id=0

[ QUOTE ]

The Fan Poker Challenge III
Card sharks unite!
If you’re a poker player and are up for a challenge, join us for The FAN Poker Challenge III! The Challenge kicks off June 18 and
continues through August 30!

Monday ($60 buy-in), Tuesday ($60) and Thursday ($80)
No Limit Texas Hold‘em
Semifinals – August 27 and 28 at 7 pm
Finals – August 30 at 7 pm
Win CASH and prizes, including a poker table, gift certificates and trips for two to Las Vegas.
Grand prize is a seat at the 6th Annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic in December at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.


Seats are limited. See Poker Room Supervisor for details.



[/ QUOTE ]

They are quite generous with your starting chippies too.

If I remember correctly the 60 buck event you get 6k in chips, and the 80 buck event you get 8k in chips (not so sure on the last one though, but you do get at least 6k in starting chips).

Link to their schedule here:

http://thegilpincasino.com/images/pdf/0627brochure8.5x11.pdf

which tells what tournaments that the Gilpin runs.

Be aware as well, that The Golden Gates also run events as well (though I've never played there before).

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[/ QUOTE ]

The best tournament in Colorado I don't see listed. It is the Sunday 2PM tournament at Colorado Central Station.

It is a $100 + $15 tournament with two rebuys at $100 each. The initial buy-in gives you 2,000 tournament chips. If you re-buy at the end of the second level, you will get 3,000 chips for each rebuy. Blinds start at 25/50 and rounds are 30 minutes long. So if you hold on to your starting stack of 2,000 and do the re-buys at the optimal time, you will have 8,000 chips going into the 3rd level which is 75/150. If you re-buy during the first or second level, you only get 2,000 chips instead of 3,000 chips.

Most tournaments in CO suck but this one is not bad; it usually lasts about 7-8 hours and has 66-80 participants.

[/ QUOTE ]

You think that is better than the 300 at 3pm on Sundays at the Gilpin? It is $100 with 2 $100 rebuys. For each $100 buy in you get $3k in chips, but you get $6k bonus chips if you take both rebuys up front to start with 15k in chips. The blind levels are 30 minutes each starting at 25-50.

edit to add: If you really think that one is better please let me know what makes it better to you.


[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't played the Gilpin so I can't really comment on their Sunday 300. I saw a tournament sheet on Gilpin tournaments about a year ago and I was turned off by the extremely high vig - if I recall, they were charging $15 vig on buy-ins as low as $50. Perhaps they have changed this??

Is the Gilpin 300 structure and vig posted somewhere? Too lazy to look at the moment.

thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

www.gilpinpoker.com (http://www.gilpinpoker.com) The vig might be a little higher, but they are willing to go out and get the best floorstaff around.

[BigAlK]

[ QUOTE ]
When does it usually start snowing in the Rockies/Utah/Wyoming?

I've been pining to go back to Deadwood and that HPT stop looks like a good time, but the drive from Vegas (I'm a sicko) looks like it'd be rife with problems.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm a sicko too (drove from Minneapolis to South-East Idaho every two weeks for seven months - October to June). While it is possible to get snow in mountainous areas in all but the 3 or 4 hottest months of the year the risk of bigger storms in the areas you'd be driving through would be relatively low in mid-October, but no impossible. Do you have any experience driving in snow? If so, you're probably okay. I'm giving serious consideration to playing the Colorado event and if I do I'll probably drive. Potential weather will be low on my list of considerations although it will be a consideration. But like I said, I'm a sicko too. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Ultra Violet]

The Denver area had some decent snow right around the first or second week of October in both 2005 and 2006. It usually melts within a day or two, but the day we get dumped on can be a little hairy.

But, like everyone says in Colorado, "If you don't like the weather, just wait a day." If the weather does turn snowy, I think the most it would delay you is a few hours or maybe one day.

The Central City Parkway is an awesome altrnate route, but as I discovered last April or May, not so much in a white out! /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[52s]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When does it usually start snowing in the Rockies/Utah/Wyoming?

I've been pining to go back to Deadwood and that HPT stop looks like a good time, but the drive from Vegas (I'm a sicko) looks like it'd be rife with problems.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm a sicko too (drove from Minneapolis to South-East Idaho every two weeks for seven months - October to June). While it is possible to get snow in mountainous areas in all but the 3 or 4 hottest months of the year the risk of bigger storms in the areas you'd be driving through would be relatively low in mid-October, but no impossible. Do you have any experience driving in snow? If so, you're probably okay. I'm giving serious consideration to playing the Colorado event and if I do I'll probably drive. Potential weather will be low on my list of considerations although it will be a consideration. But like I said, I'm a sicko too. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I grew up in the Northeast. Driving during snowstorms is nothing new.

I just don't want to have to bother with it if I do get the chance to go, especially since I'd be taking a different (new) route than the one I took to get from Deadwood to Vegas.

Then, I went from the Black Hills down back-road-highways to 25 to get to Cheyenne then went around Denver through Colorado to Utah and Nevada (and hated it, the Colorado air pressure damn near killed me).

Now, I'd be going up to Salt Lake City, from there heading east then north to Casper, then take 25 and 90 to Deadwood. Basically, the route mapquest gives if you do a straight "Las Vegas, NV" to "Deadwood, SD" search.

[BigAlK]

[ QUOTE ]
I grew up in the Northeast. Driving during snowstorms is nothing new.

I just don't want to have to bother with it if I do get the chance to go, especially since I'd be taking a different (new) route than the one I took to get from Deadwood to Vegas.

Then, I went from the Black Hills down back-road-highways to 25 to get to Cheyenne then went around Denver through Colorado to Utah and Nevada (and hated it, the Colorado air pressure damn near killed me).

Now, I'd be going up to Salt Lake City, from there heading east then north to Casper, then take 25 and 90 to Deadwood. Basically, the route mapquest gives if you do a straight "Las Vegas, NV" to "Deadwood, SD" search.

[/ QUOTE ]

Like I said, snow is almost always a possibility. A few years ago was traveling through Wyoming the first week in June and I-80 was closed between Laramie and Cheyene due to snow. But mid-October the risk of anything significant is low. Since your route is on interstate except for Rawlins to Casper (and that is a major highway in the area) even if there is snow it should get cleared quickly.

[Ultra Violet]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.pokertournamentformula.com/colorado_poker_tournaments.htm

here is a list of tournys in colorado that compares the blind structures

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the cool link. I'd still advise people to check with each casino on the schedule before heading up, though. (Fortune Valley does not have a Friday night tourney, but I think they have a Thursday night one.)

I checked out Golden Gates last night and played in the 7pm Friday. There were 5 tables, but the fifteen-minute rounds are kind of a killer.

The room is okay, but there is a smoking area right next to several of the tables. (Cough, couch.) I think it wil be fine for the HPT, but I think I will wait to go back there until after the smoking ban takes effect on January 1.

[CincyLady]

Personally, I like the Gilpin the best when it comes to playing poker in Blackhawk.

[kenny7]

[ QUOTE ]
Personally, I like the Gilpin the best when it comes to playing poker in Blackhawk.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agree

[jhans24]

Has anyone read or heard when the satellites will start running?

[CincyLady]

I'm heading up there tonight to play in the Gilpin FAN event at 7pm, I think I will stop by the Golden Gates and ask.

I'm pretty sure though, that they will start for sure on October 8th at the latest.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Are the poker rooms non-smoking in CO?

[/ QUOTE ]

As I mentioned before, they will be as of Jan 1, 2008.

Links to the law that was passed:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/13429558/detail.html

http://cbs4denver.com/politics/local_story_183130223.html

They (the casinos) were supposed to get a concession where they could raise the max bet from 5 bucks to something higher, but it doesn't look like that happened. To bad, because I no longer play cash games when I'm up there, because I can't stand the bingo (aka no fold 'em hold 'em) poker mentality there, that 2/5 limit poker has.

[jhans24]

What did you find out last night Cincy? Any luck in the tourney?

Josh

[CincyLady]

Naw, it was a real donkament over at The gilpin last night.

I had pocket 10s one off from the button, and the blinds were 50 and 100 (with 6 limpers into the pot before me), I (knowing how these tend to go sometimes in the land of no hold 'em fold 'em Colorado) raised it up to 600.

Some donkey with 9/10 of clubs calls my preflop raise, flop comes all low cards with 2 clubs, and donkey decides to go all in with his flush draw.

I have more chips than him and I call, you guessed it, Jack of clubs comes on the turn, and donkey claims he didn't suck out on me, because heck, he had so many outs after the flop (like duh, what where his outs BEFORE the flop, to call a 500 buck raise??), and to risk his entire stack (after the flop) on just a draw and (according to him) he was just being a good player to go all in on the flop.

In any case, I went over to The Golden Gates, and they've been slammed with phone calls from all over the country, and people showing up in their room asking questions.

Seems the guy in charge is out of town, and didn't bother to tell his people what was coming their way, and they are totally unprepared.

They were quoting the 'Nothing is for sure' montra, even though it's been posted on the Heartland Poker Tour website, and is now even mentioned in the most recent edition of Poker Player Magazine.

I was told that the 'boss' will be back sometime today, and hopefully they will have more information by the end of this week.

FWIW, I did suggest to them that they consider in September having some sort of promotion where you could:

1) Get early seats into the HPT ME
2) Since some here are already squaking that $340 is too much for a tournament, I suggested perhaps they run a promotion to award seats into the Qualifying satallites.

BTW, after almost a month in vegas, where I could play real poker, so I forgot what donkaments the events here can be.

Max bet in live action poker here, is 5 bucks, and the top live action game is 5/5 limit dealers choice poker (still no fold 'em hold 'em), and it (that mentality) invades the tournament games here too, so anyone who is coming, play carefully with the locals, they'll STILL call you with just about any two cards, especailly if you don't raise it 4 times the blind or larger preflop, even in a NL Tournament.

At times, it almost feels like I'm playing a ladies only event, when I play here. Geez, I wish I was in Vegas again. Sigh ... /images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[chim17]

That dealers choice game can be more profitable than a lot of games that are spread at much higher limits.

Handful of regulars that will cap anything.

[MLSchaff]

[ QUOTE ]
2) Since some here are already squaking that $340 is too much for a tournament, I suggested perhaps they run a promotion to award seats into the Qualifying satallites.


[/ QUOTE ]

I believe that there are generally single-table satellites run at HPT events to get into the qualifiers. So for $75-ish the squakers can probably enter a SNG that will pay out 2 seats to the qualifiers. Not sure if this is for all HPT events, but a friend that played Mille Lacs last year got in this way.

[jhans24]

Looks like they have posted the satellite structure on the HPT schedule. They start Monday Oct 1. They have $40 and $75 satellites into the $300 sats. I will probably end up doing the $340 +10 single table two qualifiers sats on Friday Oct 12th.

[CincyLady]

I betcha though, the Golden Gates people still don't have a clue. I was up there Friday Night, and they still didn't have any information about the event, at all.

FYI, phone number to the Golden Gates is: 303-582-5600. Don't expect a live person to answer though, as the last few times I've called, I've got their answering machine.

Left a voice mail message, but no on called me back either time.

[CincyLady]

FYI, link to schedule for sats:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31

Link to lists of lodging:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/venue.php?vid=484

Note, in addition to whats on the list at the website above, there is also a hotel at the Colorado Station Casino as well in Black Hawk (it's part of the Isle of Capris chain), and there is a motor lodge about a mile down the road from Blackhawk on your way to Golden.

Right now, I can't remember the name, but my next trip up there, I will try to get the name and phone number for it.

[CincyLady]

Looks like the sit and goes (40 bucks for 1 person to advance to the qualifier satallite, and 75 bucks for 2 people), you'll get 1500 in chips, and the blinds will rise every 10 min.

For the Qualifier, it'll be 10k in chips, and 30 min blinds. The qualifiers (which will start Oct 8th) will be using antes as part of their structure, starting on the fifth round.

[tdp]

I'm sooooo stoked for this.Looks like I'll be camping out for two weeks at my favorite room in Blackhawk.I'm kind of a regular there for the noon tourney,which I've done quite well in over the past year and a half.
That first week of sats should be easy money and I hope that my comfort with the Golden Gates should give me an edge.I've played 150+ tourneys in that room and cash one in three.
Since all extra seats are sellable,a good sat player should be able turn a profit and/or freeroll into the main event.Plus the Gates $55+5 noon "crapshoots" are very +ev if you've got a good shortstack game.
I'm looking forward to a marathon at the Gates.I haven't done that much since last summer.I hope to see some of you there.
Any Gates noon regulars on this forum?

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm sooooo stoked for this.Looks like I'll be camping out for two weeks at my favorite room in Blackhawk.I'm kind of a regular there for the noon tourney,which I've done quite well in over the past year and a half.
That first week of sats should be easy money and I hope that my comfort with the Golden Gates should give me an edge.I've played 150+ tourneys in that room and cash one in three.
Since all extra seats are sellable,a good sat player should be able turn a profit and/or freeroll into the main event.Plus the Gates $55+5 noon "crapshoots" are very +ev if you've got a good shortstack game.
I'm looking forward to a marathon at the Gates.I haven't done that much since last summer.I hope to see some of you there.
Any Gates noon regulars on this forum?

[/ QUOTE ]

Careful now, it's not confirmed yet that the seats are resellable.

I'm pumped too, so I really hate to say this, but right now, the Golden Gates Poker room, couldn't find it's b*tt with both hands, a flashlight and a guide dog.

I've been there 3 times now, and called twice. Even today when I called them, they didn't even know that the structures and sat schedule had been posted on the HPT website.

You would think that TPTB at the Golden Gates would share this information with the rest of the staff there.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
FYI, link to schedule for sats:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31

Link to lists of lodging:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/venue.php?vid=484

Note, in addition to whats on the list at the website above, there is also a hotel at the Colorado Station Casino as well in Black Hawk (it's part of the Isle of Capris chain), and there is a motor lodge about a mile down the road from Blackhawk on your way to Golden.

Right now, I can't remember the name, but my next trip up there, I will try to get the name and phone number for it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Last I heard this tournament had not yet been approved by the Division of Gaming. That might be why the Golden Gates people don't know that much about it.

[Mason Malmuth]

I've sent a request to the director of The Heartland Poker Tour to have you quit spamming our site. They really should purchase advertising. You're also being banned peramently.

MM

[idrinkcoors]

[ QUOTE ]
I've sent a request to the director of The Heartland Poker Tour to have you quit spamming our site. They really should purchase advertising. You're also being banned peramently.

MM

[/ QUOTE ]

??? She's providing all of us info about a local tourney. Advertising? When did the "You have to pay to post" law go into effect?

[bigeasy59]

I don't understand the ban I was reading the fourm about 5 times a day to see if there was any more info this is the first tourny that we have had here that is anywhere close to not being a crapshoot and the only info we were getingwas from cincy it is not like cicy has never posted before and all of sudden showed up spaming about some tourny. cicy was providing a service to all of us denver area players

[iron81]

Relax guys, the ban was reversed.

[jck8]

can you buy in direct to the Blackhawk event? or does Colorado law prohibit it?

[jck8]

MM,

use eco-friendly menstrual products-

[BigAlK]

[ QUOTE ]
can you buy in direct to the Blackhawk event? or does Colorado law prohibit it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Complete details are in the links Cincylady so helpfully provided.

The answer to this question is that although the Colorado Gambling Commission has not yet given approval (based on the contents of the HPT's web page on the event) the structure they submitted indicates that you will not be able to buy-in directly. Apparently this is due to the max-buy-in allowed by current Colorado law. Other than this the setup is similiar to other HPT events. Some cheap sattelites to the main event qualifiers and the main event qualifiers (somewhere around 3-400). IIRC the site explicitly says that you can sell entries won to the qualifier or to the main event. If the gambling commission doesn't nix that then at least in theory you should be able to show up and buy an entry from someone.

The thought just occured to me that depending on supply and demand it is possible that the market rate for main event entries might be greater than face value.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
this is the first tourny that we have had here that is anywhere close to not being a crapshoot

[/ QUOTE ]

There are weekly tournaments in Black Hawk with slow structures in the $300-$500 range.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
can you buy in direct to the Blackhawk event? or does Colorado law prohibit it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Complete details are in the links Cincylady so helpfully provided.

The answer to this question is that although the Colorado Gambling Commission has not yet given approval (based on the contents of the HPT's web page on the event) the structure they submitted indicates that you will not be able to buy-in directly. Apparently this is due to the max-buy-in allowed by current Colorado law. Other than this the setup is similiar to other HPT events. Some cheap sattelites to the main event qualifiers and the main event qualifiers (somewhere around 3-400). IIRC the site explicitly says that you can sell entries won to the qualifier or to the main event. If the gambling commission doesn't nix that then at least in theory you should be able to show up and buy an entry from someone.

The thought just occured to me that depending on supply and demand it is possible that the market rate for main event entries might be greater than face value.

[/ QUOTE ]

I still feel a tad nervous to post here after what happened to me (being banned), but you know what, on the HPT website, you are right. It does clearly state that the seats will be transferable.

HPT ME Seats normally go elsewhere on the HPT tour I've noticed, from $1,500 and up. Thus, there appears to be a way for people who are good sit and go players to make a fair piece of change here by winning ME seats, and then selling the public for that price.

BTW, I want to thank everyone who stood up for me, I think it helped me in getting restored again.

I still however, am going to be very cautious in what I post, as I never want to go through that experience ever again.

I'm going up to Blackhawk tonight BTW, to play in the FAN event at the Gilpin (the yearly event where they award at the end, a seat to a WPT event that takes place in December), and will stop by that hotel I promised to get the name of, and post it in here most likely tomorrow night.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
this is the first tourny that we have had here that is anywhere close to not being a crapshoot

[/ QUOTE ]

There are weekly tournaments in Black Hawk with slow structures in the $300-$500 range.

[/ QUOTE ]

The problem is RR, that none of them are structured to be direct buy ins for those amounts. They are all set up as rebuys (and also allow for participants to re-enter the tourney if they are knocked out and there are more seats open), which with how the locals play in live action (aka no fold 'em hold 'em poker) spilling into the Tourneys in Blackhawk, still makes the $300-500 events a crap shoot (because they are 100 buck rebuys).

If the Gilpin, Colorado Station, Ameristar, or The golden Gates would even once a month hold a $500 direct buyin event, then you'd be correct, it most likely would be a much better tourney. However, as it stands, the way it's structured (like the 100 buck rebuy event that the Gilpin runs), it's a crap shoot.

This and the fact that most events up there, ppl are allowed to re-enter the tourney (if they are knocked out, and if there are still seats open), add in the fact that none of the rooms in Blackhawk run Tourneys with antes in them, makes them more of a crap shoot.

[Ultra Violet]

I agree. If there was a tourney offered in Black Hawk that was a straight-up entry in the $200-500 range and no re-buy shenanigans, I would be all over it!

[CincyLady]

BTW, a friend of mine just told me that the Isle of Carpi recently bought out the Golden (Gates, Madi Gras, and Gulch) Casinos in the last 6 months. If that is indeed true, then he was thinking this event might be held in one of the Conference rooms at the Isle of Capri Hotel.

This means even more room for more tables and such.

Has anyone heard this rumor, about the Isle of Capri now owning the (three) Golden casinos?

If so, this might also explain why the HPT is coming to Blackhawk, and also as well as to why they (the HPT) picked the Golden Gates to host them. This as I seem to remember they (the HPT) have had events at other Isle of Capri locations around the country.

[tdp]

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, a friend of mine just told me that the Isle of Carpi recently bought out the Golden (Gates, Madi Gras, and Gulch) Casinos in the last 6 months.

[/ QUOTE ]
Never heard this one and I'm at the Gates a lot.Most of the folks that work there would quit if this were the case.

[CincyLady]

Yeah, it turns out my friend was all wet. I was up there last night, in Blackhawk that is, and asked them about it. They said no way is that true, and that they were NOT part of the Isle of Capri chain.

BTW, I spoke with someone in the poker room, and he didn't know if the event has been approved yet by the Gaming commission, he wasn't even for sure if the contracts had been signed with with the HPT.

Personally, I think they have been, otherwise why else, would the HPT have the schedule posted, and be advertsing their room on their website.

Also, there seems to be some sort of question if based on colorado gaming laws, if seats can be transferable.

He also mentioned to me as well, that they are trying to get an exception to the max limit of 500 bucks for the entry fee, so that there could be direct entries into the event. I was cautioned however, that this is not something for sure, but that they were hoping to get an exception that would allow for for the direct buyin.

I for one sure hope that will be the case, as most of the locals here, are loath to pay more than 100 bucks for a tournament, and those tourneys are real donkaments to be sure, because they don't have a lot of money invested in them.

It's why (if I can't buy directly in), I'm seriously considering doing the $340 Sit and goes when those start on October 8th.

Now, that hotel I mentioned, it's a lodge, and it's called The GoldDust Village.

Seems like a nice enough motel, and the rates are not bad at all.

They are about 1 1/2 miles down the road from the casinos, and they have shuttle service.

Their Website is located here:

http://www.golddustvillage.com

where you can see pictures of the place, and of the rooms there.

It's not fancy, but it appears to be clean and well run. Looks like the top rate (currently) is about $110 a night on the weekends, and about 80 bucks during the week (call them though, for exact rates).

They also have shuttle service to blackhawk as well.

Hope this helps!

[Rottersod]

[ QUOTE ]
I've sent a request to the director of The Heartland Poker Tour to have you quit spamming our site. They really should purchase advertising. You're also being banned peramently.

MM

[/ QUOTE ]

It sure would be nice if you issued a public statement (apology?) here about this.

[Rottersod]

[ QUOTE ]
www.gilpinpoker.com (http://www.gilpinpoker.com) The vig might be a little higher, but they are willing to go out and get the best floorstaff around.

[/ QUOTE ]

/images/graemlins/smile.gif I think I'm the only one who got this Randy. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[CincyLady]

Yes, the floor staff at the Gilpin is indeed one of the best I've ever seen. I have to say though, I've yet to play at the Gates, so I can't really say one way or another with them.

Now, if (asside from the HPT) I could just get one of the rooms up there (in Blackhawk) to do a big event for the locals, even if it was just once a year, with higher buy ins, no rebuys, no reentries, antes, and longer blinds, I'd be in 7th heaven.

As it stands now, I played in yet another donkament event last night (the Fan), and it's quite frusrating to drive 70 miles each way to play in any of the regular events in any of the rooms, to bust out (or be crippled) because someone calls you with Q3 suited (just because it's suited), after a 6 times the blind raise preflop, and they call preflop and then call (again) when you bet big on the flop and they call you with just a draw, and then (they) get there.

I've lived in Denver now since March of 2006. I've yet to cash even ONCE in a donkament in Blackhawk because of the mentality there.

I sure hope the same thing doesn't happen to me a the HPT when it comes here, because of the locals mentality here, in how they play.

It's even worse when I come back from playing events in 'the real world' of poker, elsewhere.

I know some of this is on me, having to learn how to adapt, but thus far, I just can't get my finger on it, and have not been able to adapt to the fishy players here (and not get my arse kicked in the process).

[pseudoswede]

[ QUOTE ]

FWIW, I did suggest to them that they consider in September having some sort of promotion where you could:

1) Get early seats into the HPT ME
2) Since some here are already squaking that $340 is too much for a tournament, I suggested perhaps they run a promotion to award seats into the Qualifying satallites.


[/ QUOTE ]
Hopefully they'll do something like this a few times in September...

* $55+5 buy-in (run just like their typical $60 tourney)
* 80 players max
* Top 8 get their buy-in to the qualifier plus $100

FWIW, I submitted the list of tournaments to the Poker Tournament Formula website mentioned earlier in this thread. I couldn't properly figure out the Patience Factor for the CCS Sunday tourney, so I omitted it. Nonetheless, the Gilpin 300 tourney is probably the absolute best tourney up in Black Hawk right now.

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
www.gilpinpoker.com (http://www.gilpinpoker.com) The vig might be a little higher, but they are willing to go out and get the best floorstaff around.

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL. The dealers are fine, but the clowns who sit at the desk are the most unresponsive,unknowing folks I've encountered in a poker room. The janitorial staff is more helpful.





On a positive note, I was at the Gates today. Dealer confirmed the gaming commission has signed off on the hpt.


The rub is that if you qualify more than once for the me, the casino doesn't want you selling it on property. Transferring to a friend is one thing, but you can likely expect gaming to be all over the Gates during the hpt.

[CincyLady]

So, they said it was okay to transfer the seats to someone else?

Hopefully some will be from users here at two plus two who will advertise their seats for sale.

[Dog Boy]

Yes, you can transfer the seat. But you need be careful about advertising or selling it. Seems there are legal issues in Colorado with selling tournament seats over a certain dollar amount.

[BigBuffet]

[ QUOTE ]
I've sent a request to the director of The Heartland Poker Tour to have you quit spamming our site. They really should purchase advertising. You're also being banned peramently. MM

[/ QUOTE ]

Please post a list of all your advertisers so we know whom we can and can't talk about...

[CincyLady]

I went up to Black Hawk yesterday, and stopped in at the Golden Gates Casino poker room.

I was very surprised they (the card room) had little on this upcoming event, and their (the Golden Gates Casino cardroom) website still doesn't have a peep on this, nor did they send anything out in their Gates Casino Mailers this month.

I wonder how they (the card room) plan on promoting this event, has anyone heard?

I tried to ask them in the card room, but was very rudely treated as the guy I was trying to talk to, turned away from me in mid conversation, and just ignored me.

That is, until another patron who saw this, commented that they just didn't care, and I agreed with him, and told him what I'd seen up until then, how the card room was unprepared when the news first broke, and so on.

The card room employee then turned around and snapped at me, you shouldn't be disrespecting my card room.

I told him at least I got his attention, now didn't I? He had no comeback for that.

So, my question remains, has anyone heard if the Golden Gates Card room plans on promoting this event to the Denver area?

Also, are there any two plus two'ers who plan on playing in this event?

[CincyLady]

Well, I wonder if someone from the Golden Gates reads this (forum), and are now starting to promote the event, because I just now got a flyer) in my e-mail, though they still don't have the flyer on their main website, nor on their poker room website.

Maybe the room management is taking note and is finally spending some money to promote this outside of Blackhawk (aka Denver??).

Edit: If you'd like a copy of the flyer, PM me, because after thinking about it, I don't want to get in trouble for posting a copy of the actual flyer here.

[jhans24]

If you could send me the flyer in a PM that would be great. Don't think I'll be playing, in major bank roll rebuilding right now. Have a hard time asking the pregnant wife for poker money. Doesn't matter that I paid for our patio this year and made house payments, still one of those pride things I think.

[CincyLady]

Heh heh ... Smart man! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif Never mess with a Pregnant woman! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

I just sent you a PM with the flyer. If you play poker anyway, they are giving out entries for free seats to the qualifyer during the month of September.

[pseudoswede]

I'm thinking about playing. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, I started graduate school this semester--only one class--and I have a mid-term exam on October 15. Beat.

I may go up one night to try out a few SnG's and sell my seat if I win.

[CincyLady]

Well, looks like they finally updated their website and added the event! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

here:

http://www.goldencasinogroup.com/www/common/promoPokerPlayer.jsp

and here:
http://www.goldencasinogroup.com/www/common/2007_09_heartlandSeatGiveaway.jsp

Now, let's hope they mention it during their normal TV Commercials for the Casino on Denver TV, that'll really get the word out IMO! /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[jackhigh]

I enjoyed all your posts and info Cincy Lady. You should be the official Blackhawk Hostess with the Mostes!

As to your Blackhawk Donkament strategy request. Don't bother playing in the lower buy-in "donkaments". Save your bankroll and play in the Sunday Gilpin 3 o'clock... much better players, awesome blind structure and 15,000 starting chips! Good players definitely have enough chips to bring their "A" game.

[CincyLady]

Jackhigh,

Why thank you!

My problem is though, that I've yet to win even ONE tournament at the Gilpin. Then again, I don't get to play as much as I would like to, as it's almost an hour and a half drive each way for me from Englewood.

With the live action sucking so much, that I no longer play it (add in the Asian Colusion teams that seem to frequent the Lodge, Ameristar, and Gilpin Casinos), as I find I can make more money playing the slots, then playing live action poker.

That's a sad state of affairs, when slot machines are more +EV than live action poker.

Perhaps I might try the 300 buck event, but the way it's currently structured, I really don't like it, because it's a rebuy, plus they don't do antes either.

Since it's a rebuy event, many of the donks get in there, because the inital buy in is like 100 bucks, and then rebuy 3 to 4 times.

Right now the Golden Gates is running a drawing giveaway for the HPT Qualifier satellites to the ME.

You just have to play live action every Tue, Wed, and Thursday, and you win entries into those nights drawings (the drawing is held at 9pm on those days).

I think I will mosey up there tonight and give it a whirl, and just play very very tight in the live action, just so I can win entries.

I also am doing it, because I've never played in that room, and I want to check out the players there, and how they play, prior to the HPT.

I will report back here tomorrow or Friday, my findings.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Since it's a rebuy event, many of the donks get in there, because the inital buy in is like 100 bucks, and then rebuy 3 to 4 times.

[/ QUOTE ]

They are limited to 2 rebuys and receive fewer chips. Typically no more than 3 people buy in for less than the max. If they want to try their chances with 3k chips when everyone else has 15k this should be welcome.

[CincyLady]

RR, don't get me wrong, so far, I've found the Gilpin to be the best on the events they run. However, to be frank here, it seems to me, that none of the casinos in Blackhawk, have the balls needed to have even once or twice a year, a big event with a big buy in that isn't a rebuy, and not back down about it.

Same goes for having an event where you have Antes.

I realize you have to have what your customers want, but there are a number of us who have a desire for big buy in events with antes.

The main problem I've seen, is if you have tried to have big buy in events, you don't 'book' them far enough in advance, in order to get the word out about them to enough people.

If you had them at set times in the year, people would know about them in advance, and plan for them.

FWIW, the conversation I had with one of your room managers was encouraging. He was telling me that the Gilpin is trying to work with the WSOP to become one of their satellite casinos.

I suggested he take it one step further, and investigate becoming a WPT satellite casion as well.

Neither of these venues would actually come to Colorado, but the Gilpin would host Satellite events, where they buy ins to a major WPT event, or the Vegas WSOP ME as well as spending money and travel expenses would be the main prize.

There wouldn't be any money substitutions, and if the winner made the final table, they'd be allowed to wear a Casino shirt, which in turn would advertise the casino on TV.

He promised to look into it, and I hope he will.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
I suggested he take it one step further, and investigate becoming a WPT satellite casion as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

It has been a while since i Have talked to anyone for the WPT about this. I know the original WPT casinos got a bad deal because they signed before the poker boom.

I have been involved in some higher buyin tournaments, but I don't really see them making sense in Colorado. The most you can charge is $500 (including the rake for the casino), you cannot have them across properties (if you have a poker tournament played on more than one property you cannot take any juice from it). The hotel space isn't here and we can't spread any side games with more than a $5 bet. There also is no sports book and limited pit games to capture extra revenue.

[jackhigh]

Cincy Lady,
Just try the $300 Sunday 3pm Gilpin Tourney... and stop with the excuses! (women...geez) /images/graemlins/wink.gif

And yes I agree, Blackhawk should do a quarterly or semiannually "Big Buy In" Tourney ($500). Just make it some sort of "Championship" with a guaranteed prize pool or first prize. Give away a championship bracelet or ring. Make it over 2 weekends or something. You would easily get 2-300 people in my opinion.

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
I have been involved in some higher buyin tournaments, but I don't really see them making sense in Colorado. The most you can charge is $500 (including the rake for the casino), you cannot have them across properties (if you have a poker tournament played on more than one property you cannot take any juice from it). The hotel space isn't here and we can't spread any side games with more than a $5 bet. There also is no sports book and limited pit games to capture extra revenue.

[/ QUOTE ]

Which is why the Heartland Tour isn't at the Gilpin.

People want to play a big game. Don't tell me HPT ain't making no money for the Gates.

RR: Be creative!

[bigeasy59]

I never understood why they cant have some good structures all they need to do is take a look at the daily tournys in vegas at places like the v, ceasars, belagio or wynn and have a simlar tourny say once a week at noon for like 3 or 4 hundo. These all start at noon or 1pm with lots of chips slow blinds 30min to 1 hr.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
I never understood why they cant have some good structures all they need to do is take a look at the daily tournys in vegas at places like the v, ceasars, belagio or wynn and have a simlar tourny say once a week at noon for like 3 or 4 hundo. These all start at noon or 1pm with lots of chips slow blinds 30min to 1 hr.

[/ QUOTE ]

The structure of the 300 on Sunday afternoons at the Gilpin compares favorably with those. I would prefer it have antes to get it over with quicker, but I don't foresee that happening in the near future.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't tell me HPT ain't making no money for the Gates.


[/ QUOTE ]

We will see. A lot of that depends on what their deal with HPT is. I like big tournaments; if HPT is successful there very well could be more special events. When I have looked at this stuff generally it makes more sense to put on your own special event if you have people on site that can handle a larger tournament.

[bigeasy59]

what people want is a non rebuy event I have heard so many say I don't want to drive up there to play a stupid rebuy.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Cincy Lady,
Just try the $300 Sunday 3pm Gilpin Tourney... and stop with the excuses! (women...geez) /images/graemlins/wink.gif

And yes I agree, Blackhawk should do a quarterly or semiannually "Big Buy In" Tourney ($500). Just make it some sort of "Championship" with a guaranteed prize pool or first prize. Give away a championship bracelet or ring. Make it over 2 weekends or something. You would easily get 2-300 people in my opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with the 2-300 people equation, especially if they added in the Antes. People might even come from out of town to play in it.

As for me, I just can't get a handle on Blackhawk poker, and yes, it is quite frustrating.

Yesterday, I let my Evil Twin sister, Donkella (everone who plays poker has an Evil Twin Sibling, born on the day you first started to play poker ... for Guys his name is Donkzilla, for gals, Donkella), talk me into going up to the Gates to play live action simply to try to win a seat in a danged drawing for the HPT.

Cost me over 150 bucks it did for forgetting my self imposed ban on playing colorado live action games.

I've just not played in this low limit crap prior to moving here, since I first started playing poker 5 years ago.

I'm just hoping that the HPT will be different, and that there will be a better quality of player (not too good, but good enough) present during this time period, so at least the tournament won't suck as well.

FWIW, I'm also planning on playing a week later in Deadwood, SD ... is anyone else planning on making the trip there?

Only an 8hr drive each way, and rumor has it, you can play REAL poker there, including NL.

Direct buy in for the HPT ME in Deadwood will be, $1650 (which includes the juice).

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have been involved in some higher buyin tournaments, but I don't really see them making sense in Colorado. The most you can charge is $500 (including the rake for the casino), you cannot have them across properties (if you have a poker tournament played on more than one property you cannot take any juice from it). The hotel space isn't here and we can't spread any side games with more than a $5 bet. There also is no sports book and limited pit games to capture extra revenue.

[/ QUOTE ]

Which is why the Heartland Tour isn't at the Gilpin.

People want to play a big game. Don't tell me HPT ain't making no money for the Gates.

RR: Be creative!

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, in talking with one of the assistant managers there a month back, he let it slip that in actuality having the HPT there is going to COST the Gates money, not make it for them (at least in the short term).

They (the Gates) have to pay (or so I was told) the HPT $20k just for them to show up, and then (or so I was told) the HPT gets to keep all the juice as well. Plus I was told, the Gates had to get all the dealers to agree to sign their rights away for their images to be shown on TV.

What is in it for the gates? Well from what I understand, they are (or they feel they are) the 'Forgotten room' in Blackhawk.

They (The Gates, or so I was told) are having the HPT come to the Gates in Blackhawk, in the hopes that the word will get out about The Gates Poker room, and bring in more live action cash players (not to mention their non playing partners/friends who only play the slots) to the Casino.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Don't tell me HPT ain't making no money for the Gates.


[/ QUOTE ]

We will see. A lot of that depends on what their deal with HPT is. I like big tournaments; if HPT is successful there very well could be more special events. When I have looked at this stuff generally it makes more sense to put on your own special event if you have people on site that can handle a larger tournament.

[/ QUOTE ]

FWIW, I think the Gilpin is fully capable of having a large event (with bigger direct buy ins, and ANTES!). Perhaps you guys could even work with some of the local TV stations to sponsor the costs for it, and to air the final table (much like you do with the Fan events you run every year for them, only in this case, to allow for direct buy in as well, to the ME).

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
FWIW, I'm also planning on playing a week later in Deadwood, SD ... is anyone else planning on making the trip there?

Only an 8hr drive each way, and rumor has it, you can play REAL poker there, including NL.

Direct buy in for the HPT ME in Deadwood will be, $1650 (which includes the juice).

[/ QUOTE ]

You know that SD has a cap $100 cap on betting, right? Most games are spread limit.

[CincyLady]

No I didn't but hey, 100 bucks (cap) is STILL a hell of a lot better than here, where the cap is only a mere 5 bucks.

At the very least, I can play some 15/30, 20/40, or if I want to go and play MY brand of low limit, 10/20.

Do they by chance have N/L of any kind (like with say a 100 buck buy in limit or something)?

[jackhigh]

[ QUOTE ]


FWIW, I'm also planning on playing a week later in Deadwood, SD ... is anyone else planning on making the trip there?



[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe... it depends...are you single (not really important) and is that your real pic in your Avatar? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]

Do they by chance have N/L of any kind (like with say a 100 buck buy in limit or something)?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't know, but KCMO is only 9 hours from Denver, and they have nlhe

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


FWIW, I'm also planning on playing a week later in Deadwood, SD ... is anyone else planning on making the trip there?



[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe... it depends...are you single (not really important) and is that your real pic in your Avatar? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Meh ...

Answer to number 1, yes I'm single.

Answer to number 2, no, it's just something a friend made up for me for an Avatar, that reflects my job skill set.

So, unless you like older women (I'll be 49 by then), and you like BBW's (Big Beautiful Women) and consider yourself to be (as I've heard guys call it) a 'chubby chaser', I don't think you'd be interested in someone like myself.

/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Do they by chance have N/L of any kind (like with say a 100 buck buy in limit or something)?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't know, but KCMO is only 9 hours from Denver, and they have nlhe

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but they don't have the HPT there that week, and if I was going East, I'd go to the Horseshoe in C.B. Iowa (across the river from Omaha), as my Mother and Brother live in Omaha.

Plus, as the Roadrunner runs, the Horseshoe, I can make it in 7 to 7 1/2 hrs from Denver (Going most of the way, 85 MPH, as the legal speed limit is 75 for most of the trip). /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[jackhigh]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


FWIW, I'm also planning on playing a week later in Deadwood, SD ... is anyone else planning on making the trip there?



[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe... it depends...are you single (not really important) and is that your real pic in your Avatar? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Meh ...

Answer to number 1, yes I'm single.

Answer to number 2, no, it's just something a friend made up for me for an Avatar, that reflects my job skill set.

So, unless you like older women (I'll be 49 by then), and you like BBW's (Big Beautiful Women) and consider yourself to be (as I've heard guys call it) a 'chubby chaser', I don't think you'd be interested in someone like myself.

/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

BBW'S Rule!!! (especially if they play poker!) /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[bbop213]

Yes, this tournament is on! I cannot wait for this. I am just not sure how they plan to accomodate all of the players that they will most definitely get. Someone did tell me that the Gilpin is going to offer $50 Satellites for the $340 event. At first I thought this was strange, but now I think it is kind of clever. Can anyone confirm?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, this tournament is on! I cannot wait for this. I am just not sure how they plan to accomodate all of the players that they will most definitely get. Someone did tell me that the Gilpin is going to offer $50 Satellites for the $340 event. At first I thought this was strange, but now I think it is kind of clever. Can anyone confirm?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can confirm it. It will be a $50 satellite and you will receive $400 cash. If you choose to play a tournament other than an HPT event you will be welcome to do so.

[bbop213]

So it is a $50 Satellite - winner take all then? I like it!

[DanielleRB]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, this tournament is on! I cannot wait for this. I am just not sure how they plan to accomodate all of the players that they will most definitely get. Someone did tell me that the Gilpin is going to offer $50 Satellites for the $340 event. At first I thought this was strange, but now I think it is kind of clever. Can anyone confirm?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can confirm it. It will be a $50 satellite and you will receive $400 cash. If you choose to play a tournament other than an HPT event you will be welcome to do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you know when these will start at the Gilpin RR?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, this tournament is on! I cannot wait for this. I am just not sure how they plan to accomodate all of the players that they will most definitely get. Someone did tell me that the Gilpin is going to offer $50 Satellites for the $340 event. At first I thought this was strange, but now I think it is kind of clever. Can anyone confirm?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can confirm it. It will be a $50 satellite and you will receive $400 cash. If you choose to play a tournament other than an HPT event you will be welcome to do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you know when these will start at the Gilpin RR?

[/ QUOTE ]

They have been approved by Gaming so I would say as soon as 10 people sign up. I think an official announcement will be made this week.

[CincyLady]

Even better, did anyone watch HPT on TV on Sunday?

They were advertising the crap out of the fact that they'll be in Denver October 1st, through the 14th! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

So, RR, these are single table Sats, right?

I got a mailer in my snail mail today advertising some sort of 50 buck thing, if you have a Gilpin Poker Room Aces player's card, is that what this is?

Looking forward to it!

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
So, RR, these are single table Sats, right?

I got a mailer in my snail mail today advertising some sort of 50 buck thing, if you have a Gilpin Poker Room Aces player's card, is that what this is?


[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't seen the mailer. They are single table. We are also approved to have 2 tabels and have 2 winners and have 3 tables 3 winners.

[Ultra Violet]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, this tournament is on! I cannot wait for this. I am just not sure how they plan to accomodate all of the players that they will most definitely get. Someone did tell me that the Gilpin is going to offer $50 Satellites for the $340 event. At first I thought this was strange, but now I think it is kind of clever. Can anyone confirm?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can confirm it. It will be a $50 satellite and you will receive $400 cash. If you choose to play a tournament other than an HPT event you will be welcome to do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you know when these will start at the Gilpin RR?

[/ QUOTE ]

They have been approved by Gaming so I would say as soon as 10 people sign up. I think an official announcement will be made this week.

[/ QUOTE ]

So $400 for the winner and $100 for the house? Or am I missing something?

I am all about the Gilpin and would be wiling to pay a little more to play touneys there over some of the other rooms up on the hill, but Dang!

Have they posted or decided on a structure for the blinds and etc? The HPT ones are 10 minutes and can be kind of a crapshoot.

[bbop213]

Spoke to one of the dealers today and he mentioned there were 6 twenty minute rounds, and 10000 in chips. I dont believe the 10000 in chips!

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Spoke to one of the dealers today and he mentioned there were 6 twenty minute rounds, and 10000 in chips. I dont believe the 10000 in chips!

[/ QUOTE ]

You do receive 10k in chips with blinds starting at 100-200. The only thing I don't like is it ends after 6 blind levels, but they are 20 mintues long, so maybe that won't be a problem.

[Ultra Violet]

Cool. A starting stack of 20 times the big blind is not too bad. And the 20 minute levels are awesome compared to the 10 minute ones at the HPT event. Has a schedule been posted for when the "satellites" will be offered? /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Cool. A starting stack of 20 times the big blind is not too bad. And the 20 minute levels are awesome compared to the 10 minute ones at the HPT event. Has a schedule been posted for when the "satellites" will be offered? /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If 10 of you want to come here right now I will have one /images/graemlins/wink.gif I would expect to see more of them as it gets closer to the date.

[Ultra Violet]

How about two of us and the rest comprised of random frisky fishy types? Ha, ha. Just kidding. It would be bad to suggest any shenannigans. I am usually there Thursday and Sundays so I will holla if I bust our early. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
So $400 for the winner and $100 for the house? Or am I missing something?

[/ QUOTE ]

It is $400 for the winner, $10 for the bad beat and $90 for the casino. $90 for something scheduled to take 2 hours seems very reasonable to me.

[Ultra Violet]

Does any of the casino portion go to the awesome dealers? Or do players that "win seats" need to tip extra? Like 5% or whatever?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Does any of the casino portion go to the awesome dealers? Or do players that "win seats" need to tip extra? Like 5% or whatever?

[/ QUOTE ]

My understanding it is illegal to withhold a portion of the prize pool for the dealers in Colorado (so no).

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]

It is $400 for the winner, $10 for the bad beat and $90 for the casino. $90 for something scheduled to take 2 hours seems very reasonable to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

These satellite tourneys are eligible for the BB jack pot??


[ QUOTE ]
You do receive 10k in chips with blinds starting at 100-200. The only thing I don't like is it ends after 6 blind levels, but they are 20 minutes long, so maybe that won't be a problem.

[/ QUOTE ]

So at the end of two hours the chip leader gets the prize?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
These satellite tourneys are eligible for the BB jack pot??


[/ QUOTE ]

There is a seperate tournament bad beat jackpot. $1 from every touranment entry goes into it.

[ QUOTE ]
So at the end of two hours the chip leader gets the prize?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Similiar to the Nitro and the Niner. I am hoping with two hours of play they end before that.

[Dog Boy]

What about the 2 and 3 table satellites? Still two hour max?

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Does any of the casino portion go to the awesome dealers? Or do players that "win seats" need to tip extra? Like 5% or whatever?

[/ QUOTE ]

My understanding it is illegal to withhold a portion of the prize pool for the dealers in Colorado (so no).

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah yes, that it is. However, there is nothing in the rule book that says, the winners couldn't tip the dealers.

One way to do this I've seen (in other rooms elsewhere), is to when you pay out the winner(s) is to have a tip jar handy, and on the table.

That way it will remind the players, to tip the dealers.

BTW, I betcha most of the players in the rooms here in Colorado, have NO idea that none of the juice money goes to the dealers because of the fact it's illegal.

I don't know if you could do this, but it would be nice to have a sign on the wall next to where one signs up for tourneys, telling the customers of that fact.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
What about the 2 and 3 table satellites? Still two hour max?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. I don't really see a scenario where any of these will happen, because when 10 people sign up one will start rather than waiting for another 10 people to have a 2 table.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
One way to do this I've seen (in other rooms elsewhere), is to when you pay out the winner(s) is to have a tip jar handy, and on the table.


[/ QUOTE ]

This is always done.

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know if you could do this, but it would be nice to have a sign on the wall next to where one signs up for tourneys, telling the customers of that fact.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't really see doing this as it is illegal to solicit tokes.

[CincyLady]

Could you perhaps RR, have a sign on the wall, that shows the division of the juice?

That way in a round about way, it would be known by the customers that the dealers are not given any part of that juice.

[Ultra Violet]

Isn't there a tournament tip box mid way up the left side of the window where you register for tournaments at the Gilpin? I think it's pretty close to eye level if i remember correctly.

Whenever I finish in the money, I always go over to that box to tip rather than the one they sometimes bring over to the final table. I'm inclined to tip more if I don't have a herd of people watching me count my money and calculate my tip. Hello, awkward! If I have a little space and privacy, I am more inclined to round up the tip. The tip is for the tournament dealers, not the rest of the final table, railbirds or staff, so it's weird to feel I need their approval or blessing.

At least the Gilpin is not as lame as the Golden Gates. Any time I have cashed there, they trot those in the money up to the front desk where the whole room can see what's going on. I know they are just looking out for their dealers, but I find it a little insulting when they pay one person out, bang the tip bin in front of them, and don't pay the next person until everyone watches you tip. Hello, REALLY freaking awkward! In cases like that I am inclined to round down.

Plus, no bonus points from me for having to cash out in front of the whole room that knows the tourney just ended. Hey eveyrone, take a look at the payouts on the board and pick a player, any player, to rob in the parking garage!

So what I am saying is, most people who cash are aware of the tipping concept. And they might get it wrong the first few times, but if they keep cashing, they will keep catching on. But the loud, impersonal "TAKE CARE OF YOUR DEALERS" yelled like a bouncer at closing time is a little harsh for people already planning to leave a tip.

Leaving a tip should be a happy gesture where you can express your gratitude. It's no fun when it feels like there is all sorts of pressure from the crowd gathering, even if it's not intentional on their part. A little discretion would go a long way! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What about the 2 and 3 table satellites? Still two hour max?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. I don't really see a scenario where any of these will happen, because when 10 people sign up one will start rather than waiting for another 10 people to have a 2 table.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
We are also approved to have 2 tabels and have 2 winners and have 3 tables 3 winners.

[/ QUOTE ]

So you're probably not going to run the 2 and 3 table sats?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What about the 2 and 3 table satellites? Still two hour max?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. I don't really see a scenario where any of these will happen, because when 10 people sign up one will start rather than waiting for another 10 people to have a 2 table.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
We are also approved to have 2 tabels and have 2 winners and have 3 tables 3 winners.

[/ QUOTE ]

So you're probably not going to run the 2 and 3 table sats?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't think of a reason I would wait for the 11th through 20th players to sign up rather than starting when I have 10 players. The only way I can see doing a 2 or 3 table is if it is so busy that people are signing up faster than I can get the sats down.

[lilman2636]

i have cashed serveral times at the gilpin
and they bring the tip box to the final table after
the tourny is done i find it insulting at times because
the gilpin takes such a huge rake off the buy in its redicioulus.
as far as the heartland goes i am excited and cant wait to play.

[CincyLady]

Only 5 more days and COUNTING till the fun begins in Blackhawk! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[tribet]

I think I might travel out to this and visit relatives in Colorado Springs but will travel to Black Hawk 1 day before the main event and try the $300 qualifier. If I get a seat I stay if not I leave, no point in playing 2/5 limit. Is there any chance the qualifier will sell out? Do they have a max player limit?

[Ultra Violet]

At Mille Lacs they had 20 tables available and I think they let people buy in until the end of the first round, if I remember right. We were able to sign up in advance in MN, so it would be cool if we could do that at Golden Gates.

It sounds like a lot of people are interested in playing, so you may want to arrive a little early for the qualifiers. Plus, if it's crazy busy parking could be a bit of a cluster.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I might travel out to this and visit relatives in Colorado Springs but will travel to Black Hawk 1 day before the main event and try the $300 qualifier. If I get a seat I stay if not I leave, no point in playing 2/5 limit. Is there any chance the qualifier will sell out? Do they have a max player limit?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't really answer that one, because the room itself only has 14 tables (right now).

Unless they plan on adding tables, or adding another flight (currently there are two flights), I'm pretty sure they'll cap the entrants at 280 players.

Keep in mind as well, that in Colorado you can not buy directly into the event, so you can't do what they normally do at other events (which is to buy in at the last minute as people bust out).

[SCOTCHA]

I know we are talking Heartland but just FYI Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa is going to have the First Annual POKER CLASSIC and from the turnout with the WSOP event held here it should be a great field of players. October 3-7 rooms are cheap and the action is a plenty. Best Regards, Scotcha (Scott P. San Antonio, TX)

[pkrporcupine]

RR and CincyLady.....never knew you 2 were in colorado! just saw this thread and I am excited to drive on up and play. would like to meet both of you so PM me and let me know. actually since i used to work up there, I probably already know ya both. I hope this turns out to be good for our little poker hill and hopefully gaming will see that there re better and more profitable ways to put us on the map finally.

[CincyLady]

SCOTCHA, I was going to go play in that one too, but I have a major issue with that room.

It's a nice room overall, but you can only register in person to play in their events.

They are known to sell out quite often as well, and for us out of towners (those of us not in the Omaha, nebraska metro area), I just can't see spending money to fly into there (or even spending the 8 hrs drive time each way to drive there), and then find out that the event is sold out. It has happened to me more than once, and it's quite irritating to be sure.

Perhaps one day they will get their act together, and allow for people to register over the phone for their events (like they do at Caesars Indiana).

[CincyLady]

I'm pumped for this event, only 4 more days till the satallites start in Blackhawk! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

FYI, I just got this in my e-mail as well!

[ QUOTE ]

HPT HEARTBEAT - Special Edition 9/26/07
Changes to the Golden Gates Schedule

Attention players: a HPT Qualifier, into the Main event, has been added to the schedule at the Golden Gates Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. Due to high demand, the qualifier will be held at 6:30pm on Sunday October 7th. Also, take note that satellites will now start at 10:00am that Sunday and run all day. Our crew can’t wait to make our way “up the hill” to Black Hawk for this huge HPT Tournament.

Tell Your Friends

Make sure you mention to your friends and relatives to stop by our website and subscribe to our newsletter, “The HPT Heartbeat”. They’ll find a place to subscribe on the Main page of our website

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net .



[/ QUOTE ]

They have also updated the schedule here:

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31

in case anyone is interested.

Looking forward to meeting many of you up there!

[Ultra Violet]

I just checked the updated info and don't see any details on pre-registering, or what time registration opens for the $300+qualifiers. Has anyone heard any details? I was going to run into the Gates tonight when I was up there, but ran out of time....

[CincyLady]

One more word of caution, for you out of towners for which flight to pick when asked (if there is a choice that is).

Here in Colorado, the casinos MUST close their doors at 2am, as a result, it could get quite wacky towards the end, if you pick Flight B to play your day one in, and they still are not down to the required 15 players at that time.

Just something to consider when you make your choice.

FWIW, in answer to UV's question, your best bet is to call the casino itself and ask.

The phone number is: 303-582-2906

Edit: Just called the above number and spoke with a 'kim' and she advised that you can register for any of the ($340) Qualifiers into the ME starting on October 1st (and remember, the Qualifiers are the ONLY way you can get into the ME, because of the wacky poker laws here, you can NOT buy directly into the ME). First qualifier will run on Sunday, October 7th, at 6:30 PM.

Since I live here, I did however, forgot to ask if you can register over the phone, or if you must register in person, or if in person, if someone else can register on your behalf or not.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Here in Colorado, the casinos MUST close their doors at 2am, as a result, it could get quite wacky towards the end, if you pick Flight B to play your day one in, and they still are not down to the required 15 players at that time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Also that doesn't mean you stop play at 2 am, that means the players are out the door on the street by 2 am. I have no idea what their rules say if it isn't over in time. Our rules call for stopping play and counting chips to determine a winner at 1:40 am.

[CincyLady]

RR, any word yet on your little gig that you were planning for the Gilpin (the Single Table SATS)?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
RR, any word yet on your little gig that you were planning for the Gilpin (the Single Table SATS)?

[/ QUOTE ]

What would you like to know? I believe the signs say they start Oct 1 at 10 am. They have been approved by gaming so if 10 poeple want to play tonight I am certain they will have it.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
RR, any word yet on your little gig that you were planning for the Gilpin (the Single Table SATS)?

[/ QUOTE ]

What would you like to know? I believe the signs say they start Oct 1 at 10 am. They have been approved by gaming so if 10 poeple want to play tonight I am certain they will have it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've not been up to the Gilpin in a few weeks now, so I've not seen the signs, and your last post about it here, was that the Gilpin was waiting for Gaming Commission approval to run the Sit and goes at the Gilpin.

So, I'm guessing you're saying that the Gilpin got approved to run them, correct?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
RR, any word yet on your little gig that you were planning for the Gilpin (the Single Table SATS)?

[/ QUOTE ]

What would you like to know? I believe the signs say they start Oct 1 at 10 am. They have been approved by gaming so if 10 poeple want to play tonight I am certain they will have it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've not been up to the Gilpin in a few weeks now, so I've not seen the signs, and your last post about it here, was that the Gilpin was waiting for Gaming Commission approval to run the Sit and goes at the Gilpin.

So, I'm guessing you're saying that the Gilpin got approved to run them, correct?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. I am pretty sure I posted here when they were approved when someone was asking about the structure. $50 buy-in 10k chips. I have the signage on my computer, but I don't have anyplace to host it.

[CincyLady]

RR, here ya go ... great (free) place to host pics (or flyers as the case is here):

http://photobucket.com/

[CincyLady]

Wheeeeee! I just got home and discovered I got my Golden Group (the company that owns the Golden Gates, Gulch, and Madi Gras Casinos) flyers in the mail!

Included in there, is a flyer promoting the HPT event, and they are predicting that the 1st place prize will be OVER 100k! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

This is gunna be huge IMO, looking forward it to be sure!

[tribet]

How many Sats are u willing to play to get your seat?
Im sure it will only take one though

[lilman2636]

i am only playin one sat and if that dont work buy in for 340
hey what time do sats start on monday?
cincy lady are you from colorado?
if so we should link up sometime

[tribet]

Tha sats are $340

[lilman2636]

no the sats are 40 and 75 sng
40 first place gets a seat into the qualifer
75 top two get seats to the qualifer
the qualifer is 340 and the top i belive 40% go to the main event
due to colorado gaming law there is no direct buy in the main event

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
i am only playin one sat and if that dont work buy in for 340
hey what time do sats start on monday?
cincy lady are you from colorado?
if so we should link up sometime

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I live in Colorado, Englewood (a suburb of Denver) in fact.

It's about an hours drive each way from where I live, to Blackhawk where this will be played.

BTW, I just got a copy of the snail mail flyer in my e-mail, looks like it's gunna be big! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

http://www.goldencasinogroup.com/www/common/promotions/2007_10_heartlandPokerTour/large.jpg

They have details (the schedule and such) located here (which you should be able to read at your workplace):

http://www.newsite.heartlandpokertour.net

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
How many Sats are u willing to play to get your seat?
Im sure it will only take one though

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hoping it'll only take one, but with the crowd up there, all I can tell you is play very, very tight.

Sad to say, since I have moved here a year and a half ago, I have NOT been able to get a handle on the game here (how the locals play), even in the tournaments.

I've yet to cash even once (which is unusual for me), since I moved here.

This is because how the people play in the cash games, tends to leak over into the tournament play. I will also admit as well though, I don't get a chance to get up there as often as I'd like to either. With the cash games being so horrible (aka 'not fun') to play in (at least for me), I have a hard time justifying the hour drive each way to go up there very often.

So, for you ladies out there, who've played in Ladies Only events, I suggest you approach play in these events, as if you are playing in a ladies only event.

For you guys, who are not from around here, I also tell you to play carefully. If any of you have lived in Ohio, and have played in the festival events there (aka Charity/Monte Carlo nights, the only legal form of poker there), well you'd be right at home here.

My son was here from Ohio a few weekends ago, and we went up to play.

I sat down with 300 bucks and lost it all, he sat down with 125 bucks and made 500 (he's really good at the festival games in Ohio).

I suppose if I lived closer and was willing to make the drive more often, I could learn enough to adjust my game to the locals so I could win. Personally I wish I could just buy directly into it.

In any case, I'm looking foward to this event, as well as the HPT event in Deadwood, SD which will take place the following weekend after the one in Blackhawk.

At least in Deadwood (even with the 100 buck bet cap), I can play something other than Bingo poker like it is in Blackhawk, and I can buy directly into the ME in Deadwood as well.

FWIW, I'm going to give it a whirl for a Blackhawk Sat most likely tomorrow night at 6:30 PM when the first sats to the qualifiers will start.

I've set aside a little over 200 bucks for this endevour, and after that, I will buy directly into the Qualifier events.

Being that I was willing to pay the $1650 to buy directly in if need be, that means I can try 5 qualifiers to get into the ME if I have to.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
FWIW, I'm going to give it a whirl for a Blackhawk Sat most likely tomorrow night at 6:30 PM when the first sats to the qualifiers will start

[/ QUOTE ]

BTW our ones for "Down the Road" start tomorrow morning at 10 am. I won't be her ein the morning to get them going, but I would expect to have some tomorrow night. I hope things go well for them.

[CincyLady]

Hmm ... maybe I'll drop in RR (to your little neck of the woods) tonight and give one a try as well.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Hmm ... maybe I'll drop in RR (to your little neck of the woods) tonight and give one a try as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Stop in. Mondays have been dreadfully slow the last couple of weeks and with the Rockies playing a single game playoff tonight I don't expect to be very busy. I am guessing wed we will have a few. Last wed we had 91 for the wed night and I think I could have gone to 110 if i hadn't had 2 dealers quit that day.

[CincyLady]

Well, I'm only planning on coming up one night for the Sats, and after that, I plan on saving my funds for the qualifers themselves.

This as sats are not my best suit, and the qualifiers pretty much will run like a normal tourney.

[Ultra Violet]

has any one heard how many tables they are going to have for each qualifier?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
has any one heard how many tables they are going to have for each qualifier?

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably as many as they can get. My ankle has been bothering me, but I will try to walk down there today or tomorrow (it is about 3 blocks form my house) and see what is going on.

[Ultra Violet]

Wow. I don't think I have ever met anyone who lives in Black Hawk.

Does that make you a townie? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow. I don't think I have ever met anyone who lives in Black Hawk.

Does that make you a townie? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't really consider living anyplace else. They convinced me to leave the desert and move to Black Hawk, so I moved to Black Hawk.

[The Bus Driver]

Cincy, please quit spamming the boards with your excuses for why you can't win in Black Hawk. It's not because you're too good.

[JohnnyJoe]

What's the word on the SnGs? are they soft? weekend play softer than weekday? buy straight into the 340 qualifier?

anyone qualified yet?

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Cincy, please quit spamming the boards with your excuses for why you can't win in Black Hawk. It's not because you're too good.

[/ QUOTE ]

First of all, I'm not 'spamming the boards' about it, and when asked here, or elsewhere, all I've simply said (in effect) is that it (Bingo/Lotto/No fold 'em Hold 'em Poker aka play any two cards to at least the flop no matter what) is just not my type of poker.

Just because others are good at this type of poker (IE: Low limit), doesn't mean I am, and I have never claimed to be either.

I could most likely get a handle on it, if I lived closer and could play more, but I'm just not willing to drive 2 hrs round trip to play in a game I don't find at the very least, fun to play at, even if I lost my money.

In other words, I'm not trying to make any excuses here, I've only said I don't like this kind of poker, and I doubt I ever will.

At the very least, even if I'm losing money, I'd like to have fun doing so, and for my money to last longer than if I was go go over and play the slots, and in Blackhawk, that's just not the case for me, so I simply choose not to play in the cash games.

As for the tournaments, well, again, I could master them better if I spent more time playing them, but again, the distance factor comes into play again.

If there were cash games I'd enjoy playing in afterwords, I'd make the effort (aka the drive) on a regular basis, but as it stands now, I simply don't see the motification for it (at least for me).

You have a right to your views, at least afford the same courtesy for me to have mine.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
What's the word on the SnGs? are they soft? weekend play softer than weekday? buy straight into the 340 qualifier?

anyone qualified yet?

[/ QUOTE ]

It depends. If you are good at Sit and goes, with fast rising blinds and lower chip starting stacks, then by all means buy into the lower amounts. If you do better with a larger starting stack, and slower blinds, I'd recommend you buy directly into the $340 qualifiers.

For me, I do better in the latter, but I did go up there on Monday Night, and the place was packed.

I had some friends up there as well, who are much better at sit and goes than I am, and are much better at blackhawk (style) of poker, than I am.

They tried both the $40 and $75 sit and goes, and said the $75 was much better, because the players didn't get crazy like they did in the $40 ones.

With the $40 ones (which awards 1 seat), you also only have a 1 in 10 chance of winning, but with the $75 ones (which awards 2 seats), you have a 1 in 5 chance of winning a seat.

You also get more chips in the $75 one, and you save 5 bucks over 2 $40 events.

I found that you can also be a tad more patient in the $75 ones (I tried just one $40 one) over the $40 ones.

As for me, I did okay in the 1st $75 (but still didn't win a seat, finished like 4th or 5th), but for the 2nd one I tried, Donkella showed up instead (not good for me). The $40 one I tried, was an all in fest (by the others at my table) from the get go, and I didn't do well at all in that one because of that.

Overall, being as this is the first time they are running this type of event, I was impressed by the staff of the room, as they seemed to be doing a good job of running the sit and goes.

Average wait for the $75 ones was about 20 to 30 min with the $40 ones, the average wait could be an hour or more.

As for me, any further ones, I plan on buying directly into the $340 Qualifiers.

I've budgeted up to 5 of them (which is a tad more than if I had to buy directly in eleshwere), and if I win more than one seat into the ME, I will sell it since the seats are transferable.

BTW, I was told when I asked, that they tried to add a 3rd flight for the ME, but that the Colorado Gaming commission turned them down, as being too short notice.

As a result, the ME will be 11 handed per table, with 14 tables, and with 2 flights, that will only allow for a total of 308 players (154 each flight) for the ME, because the demand right now, is looking like it's going to be intense for the ME.

The way it looks now, the qualifiers will indeed sell out quickly, so it might behoove you to buy directly into the qualifiers as soon as you can (I already have done so, for at least one of them, on Monday, October 8th, at 6:30 pm).

First $340 Qualifier will be on Sunday, October 7th, at 6:30 pm.

Edit: BTW, I was able to meet one Two Plus Two'r up there on Monday, TDP (nice talking and meeting with you TDP), and man was he stoked for this event to be sure. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Ultra Violet]

About how long did the two seat satellites last? And how many are they running at a time?

[CincyLady]

The 2 seat Sats (the $75 sit and goes) are running about 2 hrs (or under) on average, and they are running between 8 to 10 tables (at least they were when I was there on Monday) for the sit and goes (total). The rest of the tables they have reserved for live action games.

They seem to alternate between open tables (that they've dedicated for the sit and goes) between the $75 and the $40 tables.

[DanielleRB]

Thanks for the update Cincy - big help.

We are going up on Friday for some SNG action - will buy in directly for the $340 we want to play before we leave regardless.

See you up there.

[JohnnyJoe]

Thanks for the info.

[tdp]

The $75s are super soft.I'm 3 for 5 so far as is my buddy who is also a turbo specialist.Too many people trying to play post flop poker in an sng.Poeple's pushing and calling standards are generally too high.Also,folks are trying to build a stack and coast.I've snapped two of these guys.Expect up to an hour wait.I wouldn't even bother with the $40s but there is more dead money in them than the $75s.
I plan on playing the qualifiers on Sunday,Monday and Wednesday so far.If you see a skinny middle aged hippy always wearing tie-dye,drop me a "sup bro".My name is Paul,you may already know me.
RR,would it be considered spam to try to unload extra ME seats on this list?

[entertainme]

[ QUOTE ]
RR,would it be considered spam to try to unload extra ME seats on this list?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this subtle hint is sufficient and anyone interested should contact you by PM rather than posting in the thread.

[MrHorace]

[ QUOTE ]
They tried both the $40 and $75 sit and goes, and said the $75 was much better, because the players didn't get crazy like they did in the $40 ones.

With the $40 ones (which awards 1 seat), you also only have a 1 in 10 chance of winning, but with the $75 ones (which awards 2 seats), you have a 1 in 5 chance of winning a seat.

You also get more chips in the $75 one, and you save 5 bucks over 2 $40 events.

I found that you can also be a tad more patient in the $75 ones (I tried just one $40 one) over the $40 ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Cincy on this. I was certain I was going to play the $75 vs. $40 just because the expectation of hitting the qualifier is 2x. I didn't remember getting more chips as well. No brainer, isn't it?

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I was told when I asked, that they tried to add a 3rd flight for the ME, but that the Colorado Gaming commission turned them down, as being too short notice.

As a result, the ME will be 11 handed per table, with 14 tables, and with 2 flights, that will only allow for a total of 308 players (154 each flight) for the ME, because the demand right now, is looking like it's going to be intense for the ME.

The way it looks now, the qualifiers will indeed sell out quickly, so it might behoove you to buy directly into the qualifiers as soon as you can (I already have done so, for at least one of them, on Monday, October 8th, at 6:30 pm).

[/ QUOTE ]

A really dumb question here, but since they are limited in the number of qualifier they will have, I'm sure that also limits the satellites they can hold, right? Thus, it behooves you to get their early for the SNG's.

[MrHorace]

[ QUOTE ]
The $75s are super soft.I'm 3 for 5 so far as is my buddy who is also a turbo specialist.Too many people trying to play post flop poker in an sng.Poeple's pushing and calling standards are generally too high.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've not played SNG's live so am trying to understand what you're saying here. Are you saying to push and call more with less strong hands, and preferably not see a flop? Or do you see flop, but no-fit no-play?
Thanks. David
btw, I think I have played with you at Gilpin.

[tdp]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
RR,would it be considered spam to try to unload extra ME seats on this list?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this subtle hint is sufficient and anyone interested should contact you by PM rather than posting in the thread.

[/ QUOTE ]
??? What subtle hint?The qualifiers haven't even started yet so no one has a main event seat yet.I was just saying that I'm playing multiple qualifiers so I may end up with extra seats.That's all.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
They tried both the $40 and $75 sit and goes, and said the $75 was much better, because the players didn't get crazy like they did in the $40 ones.

With the $40 ones (which awards 1 seat), you also only have a 1 in 10 chance of winning, but with the $75 ones (which awards 2 seats), you have a 1 in 5 chance of winning a seat.

You also get more chips in the $75 one, and you save 5 bucks over 2 $40 events.

I found that you can also be a tad more patient in the $75 ones (I tried just one $40 one) over the $40 ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Cincy on this. I was certain I was going to play the $75 vs. $40 just because the expectation of hitting the qualifier is 2x. I didn't remember getting more chips as well. No brainer, isn't it?

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I was told when I asked, that they tried to add a 3rd flight for the ME, but that the Colorado Gaming commission turned them down, as being too short notice.

As a result, the ME will be 11 handed per table, with 14 tables, and with 2 flights, that will only allow for a total of 308 players (154 each flight) for the ME, because the demand right now, is looking like it's going to be intense for the ME.

The way it looks now, the qualifiers will indeed sell out quickly, so it might behoove you to buy directly into the qualifiers as soon as you can (I already have done so, for at least one of them, on Monday, October 8th, at 6:30 pm).

[/ QUOTE ]

A really dumb question here, but since they are limited in the number of qualifier they will have, I'm sure that also limits the satellites they can hold, right? Thus, it behooves you to get their early for the SNG's.

[/ QUOTE ]

It was pointed out to me tonight, that the official paperwork says 1500 for both the $40 and $75 sit and goes, so perhaps it was a mistake on the rooms part that we got 2k in chips at the $75 sit and goes.

If it was a mistake, most likely it's been corrected by now, since that was the first night they were having the sit and goes.

As for the Sit and goes, the most they can give out in seats, for ALL of the qualifiers, would go like this.

14 tables, times 11 handed, times 2 ME flights times 9 sessions for the ($340) Qualifiers = total Qalifier seats (for all 9 $340 Qualifer sessions): 1386

Total prize pool then equals (1386 x $300 (the 40 bucks is the juice)) = $415,800.00.

If you have only 308 slots for the ME (154 seats time two flights), then this means that for each of the 9 qualifier events, the top 34 people from each qualifier will qualify, with a small cash prize (I think) for the 35 person.

If you really want to play ME, I HIGHLY recommend you buy in directly for at least ONE Qualifer event (and do so NLT this Saturday), just in case you don't qualify (for the $340 Qualfier events) via the sit and goes.

If you do buy directly into a ($340) Qualifier, just be sure to INSIST you get a receipt when you pay for your seat, otherwise you have NO proof that you bought directly into the ($340) Qualifier.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
RR,would it be considered spam to try to unload extra ME seats on this list?


[/ QUOTE ]

I am not the mod of this forum.

[kenny7]

Really?? You think that the only way to get in is to be bought in by Saturday?? Are they expecting that many players?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
If you do buy directly into a ($340) Qualifier, just be sure to INSIST you get a receipt when you pay for your seat, otherwise you have NO proof that you bought directly into the ($340) Qualifier.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this an issue? I mean I can't imagine taking tournament buy-in without issuing a receipt.

[MrHorace]

Thanks for the suggestion to buy-in directly early! I'm going up today to try out the $75 sng's, but won't put too much money in before buying in directly. I figure I'll play 2 or 3 and see how that goes.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Really?? You think that the only way to get in is to be bought in by Saturday?? Are they expecting that many players?

[/ QUOTE ]

Check the Math, they are giving out ($340 Qualifier) Seats via the Sit and Goes like candy, and eventually they won't have any more seats for the Qualifiers to the ME.

So, I'm guessing at the rate they are running tables, that by midweek (of next week) they might not even have any more sit and goes, if the amount of people I've been seeing up there, holds true.

For me, I'd rather be safe than sorry, if you know what I mean.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you do buy directly into a ($340) Qualifier, just be sure to INSIST you get a receipt when you pay for your seat, otherwise you have NO proof that you bought directly into the ($340) Qualifier.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this an issue? I mean I can't imagine taking tournament buy-in without issuing a receipt.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, it is indeed an issue. I had to BEG for a receipt, and even then, the best they could give me was a hand written one, signed by the guy who took my money.

They seem shocked in the first place, that I'd even WANT to buy directly into the ($340) Qualifier, and not win my way in via the sit and goes. So, they were totally unprepared for me (or anyone who was) wanting to buy directly in.

I told them if colorado law allowed for it, I would of actually bought in for the full amount that the HPT normally charges (normally about $1650 with the juice) directly into the ME, which drew even MORE shocked looks.

[Dog Boy]

Went up last night about 7.30pm. Every table but the one near the bathrooms was full.

Word from one of the guys working the floor is that they will likely fill the qualifiers on Saturday. Much busier than they anticipated.

I played two $75's last night and each wait was over an hour. The first game, I had aces cracked on the river; on the second game I did it to someone else!

I got my qualifier on the second game.

Of the 10 people playing the second game, five were good players. Two were obv. dead money from the start. Another two had some idea of what they were doing (eg. not limping in every hand), and then we had the obligatory folder who blinded himself out until he got A10 to my AK.

There was a fair amount of shoving with any pocket pair. Also, if you can identify the timid players, you can steal some nice pots.

One hand I min. raised the BB, who only had 800. Blinds were 50-100. She calls. Flop is rags with a queen. Action: check/bet 400/call. Turn another rag. She checks, I bet 200 (to put her all in) she folds.

Another hand (I'm big stack still). I raise, dude to my right calls. Flop is jack with rags. I make continuation bet, he min. raises, I call. Turn check/check. River is a 5, giving straight if you have A3 (not likely). I shove with nothing. He twists his face, bluffs a muck to get a reaction from me. When he gets nothing, he folds. I owned him for the rest of the game.

When we got down to three players and the blinds were 500-1000, the player on my right started shoving every time he was in the small blind and the button had folded (most hands), the strategy was very effective. I had to attack the guy on my left because he was timid at this point and he would only play BB.

My biggest error was three-handed. I decided to limp for once with my pocket 4's, and the dude passed me on the flop.

Aggression is key to this game. Avoid limping!

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]

14 tables, times 11 handed, times 2 ME flights times 9 sessions for the ($340) Qualifiers = total Qalifier seats (for all 9 $340 Qualifer sessions): 1386


[/ QUOTE ]

BTW, My math was wrong here, but I came out with the right (Total) number anyway somehow.

14 tables, times 11 handed, times 9 sessions for the ($340) Qualifiers = total Qalifier seats (for all 9 $340 Qualifer sessions): 1386 Seats for all 9 qualifiers combined.

308 seats total for the ME (14 tables times 11 handed times 2 flights), means that if you divide 308 by 9 Qaulifiers, you get the top 34 players from each ($340) qualifier who will advance to the ME (roughly about 20 percent of each ($340) Qualifier field).

[CincyLady]

Thanks for the info DB! I think I will head up there again tonight, and buy into a couple more of the ($340) Qualifiers just to be safe.

While I'm there, I might try just one more $75 Sit and Go.

[DanielleRB]

Cincy,

I am headed up there as well - I will see if my "reading" ability is good enough to spot you!

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you do buy directly into a ($340) Qualifier, just be sure to INSIST you get a receipt when you pay for your seat, otherwise you have NO proof that you bought directly into the ($340) Qualifier.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this an issue? I mean I can't imagine taking tournament buy-in without issuing a receipt.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, it is indeed an issue. I had to BEG for a receipt, and even then, the best they could give me was a hand written one, signed by the guy who took my money.

They seem shocked in the first place, that I'd even WANT to buy directly into the ($340) Qualifier, and not win my way in via the sit and goes. So, they were totally unprepared for me (or anyone who was) wanting to buy directly in.

I told them if colorado law allowed for it, I would of actually bought in for the full amount that the HPT normally charges (normally about $1650 with the juice) directly into the ME, which drew even MORE shocked looks.

[/ QUOTE ]

Make sure you get there early. I don't think they would try to cheat you, but if they weren't prepared to hand out receipts they might not have been prepared to enter you in the touranment.

[entertainme]

[ QUOTE ]
??? What subtle hint?The qualifiers haven't even started yet so no one has a main event seat yet.I was just saying that I'm playing multiple qualifiers so I may end up with extra seats.That's all.

[/ QUOTE ]

Alright, let's go this route. If anyone ends up with an extra seat they can post it in this thread once and ask anyone interested to PM them.

[CincyLady]

Well, I went up there again last night, and DogBoy is right, I was told there will be no more sit and goes by the end of this weekend at best.

After that, people will have to get their seats from those who have (already) won their seats into the qualifiers via this week sit and goes.

I was also informed that there are even some people that have 20 or more Certificates!

This will IMO, lead to a 'scalpers' type of inviroment come next week.

I was also told that if you win the certs for the Qualifiers, that if you have 5 of them, you can go directly into the ME (IE: Trade 5 certs for a ME seat) if you so choose.

Here is a pic of what the room looked like last night:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff225/LadyGus/10-4-07.jpg


I also got a chance to meet DanielleRB as well (who had just finished up winning a Cert for her seat to a $340 Qualifier), and here is a pic (not the best pic mind you) of her and me (she's on the left, I'm the one on the right with a dealers cap on):

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff225/LadyGus/DanielleRBandMe.jpg

FYI, I also went ahead and bought in for 2 more ($340) Qualifiers, bringing my total to 3.

I will be playing on:

Sunday, Monday and Thursday, at 6:30 pm.

[Ultra Violet]

[ QUOTE ]
I was also told that if you win the certs for the Qualifiers, that if you have 5 of them, you can go directly into the ME (IE: Trade 5 certs for a ME seat) if you so choose.

[/ QUOTE ]

I heard people talking about this as well and wanted to know if anyone could clarify it. A couple of players were telling me that you could either win 5 satellites or buy in to 5 qualifiers and automatically be entered into the Main event. But I didn't hear from anyone official, so I didn't know if it was just a rumor. (Plus, lots of things the staff at the Gates have said prior to the event have turned out to be just plain wrong. /images/graemlins/wink.gif)

How does that get around the whole "can't directly buy into the Main event, due to Colorado Gaming law" thing? Some kind of loophole? Or just a crazy rumor to add to the growing hysteria?

Also, if people do that, would that mean the qualifiers would have to play down farther than 20% because people have already grandfatherer in by purchasing or winning 5 qualifier seats?

Maybe I am missing something, but it seems a little strange?

[CincyLady]

No, that's not (totally) true.

You can WIN 5 qualifiers and use those Certificates to buy directly into the Main Event.

However, you can NOT buy into 5 Qualifers and then trade those receipts for a direct buy in to the ME.

How the Certs though get around the law, is that at most they are officially 'valued' at $75, which is the cost of the (higher priced) Sit and Go.

As such, $75 times 5 = $375, which is under the $500 max buy in for a tournament.

BTW, one other thing, for the ME, they are only paying the top 30, which is LESS than 10 percent of the total field of 308 players.

Edit: One other thing, you can also buy the Certs of the Qualifiers off of people who've won sit and goes, and get into the ME that way as well.

However, most people I saw there who had the certs were leaning more towards playing in the Qualfiers and then selling extra seats to the ME after they won those, since they could most likely get around $1500 at least for them (each).

[JohnnyJoe]

I was planning to play the SnGs, but can't get up there until Sunday. Is it even worth it. Should i call before i head up? I don't plan on buying into the $340 qualifier.

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
I was planning to play the SnGs, but can't get up there until Sunday. Is it even worth it. Should i call before i head up? I don't plan on buying into the $340 qualifier.

[/ QUOTE ]

It would be a good idea to call ahead then. FWIW, I think $340 for a qualifier to win your way into the ME is a small price to pay for a chance to play in a Major televised event, where the GP is going to be $100k plus.

[DanielleRB]

I won a seat for one of the qualifiers last night (as Cincy mentioned) How was your satellite Cincy?

Didn't think the play was too impressive - very passive table - I got way too many free looks in my blinds. Thanks guys!

When I registered for Tuesday, there were only a handful of registrations - the guy said that Sunday was the busiest with 60 registrations thus far (with sellout being 150ish)...these will all ultimately sell out but don't imagine Sunday will be too late to still get up and buy in for one of the qualifiers later in the week.

I may be in a bad spot now though...need to see tonight if they will let me change my night as I may have to travel for business on Tuesday (bummer!) Hope that won't be a problem, but gotta do what I gotta do!

Good luck all and hope to see you in the ME. /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[CincyLady]

Eh ... Sit and Goes are not my thing, only reason I played last night in one, is that my other friends were up there, so I thought what the heck.

I went fairly quickly, so I decided to buy into another Qualifier.

The format for those are more my style ... larger starting stack, longer blinds.

Hopefully they'll let you change your date. I'm playing on Sunday and Monday as well as Thursday nights at 6:30 pm.

Hope to see you there.

[tribet]

Sorry if this has been asked before but i may be in Colorado next Friday and if I am i would like to play a $340 qualifier. Can i preregister for this on the phone or internet because I don't want to drive up there and its sold out

[DanielleRB]

Tribet,

There isn't a phone or internet registration option.

I don't know about buying a qualifyer seat from HPT on Friday, but you may be able to buy an ME entry from someone who has multiples - I know a couple of people who are planning to sell seats.

I was up there last night and it was packed - the house managers indicated that they think all the qualifyers will sell out by the end of this weekend.

Good Luck.

[tribet]

Thanks for that info I guess i will miss this one since i won't be able to get in through a qualifier. Good luck to you.

[Ultra Violet]

Oh yay. Snow in the forecast for Black Hawk. On Sunday. The day I signed up for th qualifier. Dang. Fortunately, it looks like the only day it will be crappy.

Wasn't somone wondering if we'd have snow way back earlier in this epic thread?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh yay. Snow in the forecast for Black Hawk. On Sunday. The day I signed up for th qualifier. Dang. Fortunately, it looks like the only day it will be crappy.

Wasn't somone wondering if we'd have snow way back earlier in this epic thread?

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope it doesn't snow. I don't own a coat or boots. I think I might go buy some this afternoon

[Ultra Violet]

First winter in Colorado? We'll be wearing shorts again on Monday.

Like they say, if you don't like the weather in Colorado, just wait a few hours... /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
First winter in Colorado? We'll be wearing shorts again on Monday.

Like they say, if you don't like the weather in Colorado, just wait a few hours... /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

It has been cold all summer. I don't know if it is ever warm enough in Black Hawk to wear shorts. I am going to see how this winter goes before deciding if I should move back to someplace with better weather.

[DanielleRB]

I could see wanting to move somewhere for better poker games...but better weather? (jk)

My husband is a San Diego native and is totally hooked on the CO weather - it may be colder, but it is sunny most days.

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
I could see wanting to move somewhere for better poker games...but better weather? (jk)

My husband is a San Diego native and is totally hooked on the CO weather - it may be colder, but it is sunny most days.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well the places that are warmer are also sunny everyday /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Ultra Violet]

[ QUOTE ]
Well the places that are warmer are also sunny everyday /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought all poker players were allergic to sunlight? /images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[The Bus Driver]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I could see wanting to move somewhere for better poker games...but better weather? (jk)

My husband is a San Diego native and is totally hooked on the CO weather - it may be colder, but it is sunny most days.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well the places that are warmer are also sunny everyday /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Randy, you only need to move about half an hour down the road. It's warmer at the bottom of the hill.

[The Bus Driver]

So I went up to check out the Satellites today. My plan was just to take one shot at a $75 and whatever happens happens, since I don't really have time to chase this thing and I'm not much for tournaments anyway.

The satellites started at 3:00 and they started taking sign-ups at 2:00. I got there at 12:30, so I got a seat in a $2-5 game to kill the time. At about 1:50, I looked up at the sign-up desk and saw no line. I literally looked down at my cards, turbo mucked them and in that amount of time, there was already a line damn near out the front entrance of the poker room and it didn't stop growing there. There were probably 100-120 people in line in a matter of a couple minutes.

Anyway, I got in line quick and got in the first group of satellites. They ran 8 at a time. I just played standard sit-n-go poker and won myself a seat in tomorrow's 6:30pm $340 qualifier.

There were probably 3 or 4 pretty good players other than myself, not that I'm good or bad. I think if you just know your way around a sit-n-go, you'll be fine. For sure you should win a spot in 2 or 3 attempts, if not your first. If I had the time to play some more, I'd just play the $75s until I had 5 qualifier certificates and turn those in for a direct buy-in to the main event. As it stands, I'm just going to take one shot.

Anyone else down there today or plan on playing in the qualifier tomorrow? I think I might have seen CincyLady there today, but I'm not sure.

[The Bus Driver]

Oh yeah and they were only playing $75s today, no $40s. I don't know that anyone cares to play the $40s anyway.

[Ultra Violet]

Do you happen to know how full the qualifiers are? When I signed up for Sunday's qualifier on Thursday they were saying it was really full and going to fill up. But when I asked how many seats were left, the guy said there were 90 seats left. That's only 60% full!

I know it's better to plan ahead, but sometimes I wonder if the Gates is trying to manufacture hysteria?

[The Bus Driver]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you happen to know how full the qualifiers are? When I signed up for Sunday's qualifier on Thursday they were saying it was really full and going to fill up. But when I asked how many seats were left, the guy said there were 90 seats left. That's only 60% full!

I know it's better to plan ahead, but sometimes I wonder if the Gates is trying to manufacture hysteria?

[/ QUOTE ]
I think it's more likely that the people you're talking to actually just don't know.

[Ultra Violet]

Ha, ha. I think you are right. Even though the person I asked was the guy holding the sign up list. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[The Bus Driver]

[ QUOTE ]
Ha, ha. I think you are right. Even though the person I asked was the guy holding the sign up list. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
The guy at the sign-up desk doesn't know. Of course it's not the same guy(s) all the time, but when I signed up, the guy looked pretty official and he was not able to answer two questions from the guy ahead of me in line. At least he told him he didn't know, though, instead of just making some [censored] up. If you were there today, the guy who actually has the answers is the one who was wearing the pink shirt. I used to know his name, but I can't think of it right now.

And I really do get the impression that the Gates wasn't quite ready for this and they're caught a bit by surprise at its popularity and some other things that come up the first time you run an event like this. I'd imagine they'll have it worked out a bit better next year.

[Ultra Violet]

Yeah. Hopefully they will learn from the experience. I'm guessing they are not used to running larger tourneys? I don't normally play there but I have been checking out their tourneys just to check the room out before the HPT. My impression is that they are generally bothered by tourneys and tourney players and would much rather just run cash games (to feed the rake, chomp, chomp.)

Some of the floor staff seem kind of irritated by the whole HPT thing and I am sure being harrassed by demanding tourney players about it constantly doesn't make their jobs any easier. Maybe things will go better once the HPT staff are around to help?

Hopefully tomorrow will go well. I am looking forward to it!

[DanielleRB]

When we were up there yesterday, they were saying they had less than 20 seats left in the Sunday night qualifier.

I also wondered if perhaps there was a desire to keep things moving along and hyping, but there were so many people playing that I just don't believe it is true in this case.

The guy in the suit did say that they would likely be sold out for all qualifiers by tomorrow night.

Doesn't mean you won't be able to buy a ME seat off someone and still play - hopefully I will have an extra one or two to sell!

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone else down there today or plan on playing in the qualifier tomorrow? I think I might have seen CincyLady there today, but I'm not sure.

[/ QUOTE ]

Naw, it wasn't me ... I was in Omaha today (went there last night to help my Mom out with something this morning) and just got back ... 16hrs round trip, not fun.

As for sit and goes, I tend to suck at those, unless they are heads up.

I'll be up there tomorrow night at 6:30pm ... snow? Gawd I hope not!

I moved here a year ago March from Ohio, and kept having ppl tell me how easy the winters were ... yeah right. The snow storm around Christmastime was a disaster, mostly because ppl here had gotten so complacent about the weather.

Anyone who wants to, should at the very least be able to buy a certificate for a qualifier from someone who has extra.

BTW, I do respect the room, but IMO, they are playing with fire right now, and I'm thinking they are going to oversell the seats.

This because all the advertised flyers promise that 20 percent of the field in the qualifiers will advance to the ME, and if they play 154 players for (each of) the Qualifiers, thats roughly 34 seats.

Yet, they are telling those with certs, that if they have 5 certs, they can use those to go directly into the ME.

It's going to get nasty if they sell more seats than they have, because if I remember correctly (and RR can correct me if I'm wrong), Colorado law does NOT allow for alternates to be inserted to the tourney once it's started, when another player is knocked out.

I think it's due to the fact that the first hand is limit, and after that all other hands are NL, and no player can be knocked out on their first hand, and lose their entire bet, without violating Colorado law.

I do find it encouraging though, that the Gates is pretty much saying they plan on having the HPT back.

RR, BTW, how's the action up at the Gilpin during all of this?

[RR]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it's due to the fact that the first hand is limit, and after that all other hands are NL, and no player can be knocked out on their first hand, and lose their entire bet, without violating Colorado law.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am guessing the main event will not have any hands of limit. There is 1 hand of limit for every $120 in buy-in. I am thinking since there is no direct buy-in there will be no hands of limit.

[ QUOTE ]
It's going to get nasty if they sell more seats than they have, because if I remember correctly (and RR can correct me if I'm wrong), Colorado law does NOT allow for alternates to be inserted to the tourney once it's started, when another player is knocked out.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just took a quick look at rule 10 and see no restriction on allowing alternates.

[ QUOTE ]
RR, BTW, how's the action up at the Gilpin during all of this?

[/ QUOTE ]

About the same with some extra satellites running. I haven't been there since wed, so I don't know how the last couple of days have been.

[remedial]

That will suck if the qualifiers are sold out for the week. Can anybody that's been up there recently verify that it's the case?
If a qualifier seat is won through a satellite then is it a guaranteed entry into a particular date/time qualifier or is it just an entry like going in and buying in direct?
I was going to go up Sunday and play in the qualifier but I would hate to drive up there and find out it's sold out. I was also considering playing in both of the qualifiers Thursday and Friday and selling seats if I won multiple.

The whole thing is sounding like a pain now.

Anybody that is selling a seat to either a the main event or a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday qualifier please PM me.

Thanks.

[CincyLady]

Best bet is to call up there ahead of time and ask.

The phone number there is: 303-582-2906

If you win a qualifier certificate via a single table sit and go, legally they MUST give you a seat in a $340 qualifier.

Edit: I just called, and spoke with a Jason, and was told that tonight's $340 Qualifier is sold out, but so far, every other day/night is still open.

He also advised that they are still running the sit and goes as well, but only the $75 ones (where they award 2 seats).

BTW, you have to register for the qualifiers in person.

I'm playing in tonight's qualifier, as well as (currently) Monday, and Thursday Nights.

[DanielleRB]

Good Luck Cincy!

I will see you up there tomorrow - I am playing Monday and Tuesday (my husband is playing Tuesday and Thursday).

I will PM you Remedial if we have a seat to sell.

[FortFun]

Ok.... so I went up to Golden Gates today and the $75 sit and go satellites are easy, easy, easy. I was 2/3 on them and could have been 3/3 but I can't win coinflips:(

All of Sunday nights seats in the $340 qualifier were sold out. I signed up for tomorrow's satellite and will go from there. I'm not sure if I qualify if I'm going to play again and then sell the main event seat (if I am lucky enough to win twice) or just sell the qualifier seat. Either way, pm me with you offer if you are interested and I will get back to you.

[Bluegrassplayer]

I went up there today and wow... the people playing the satellites are clueless.

On the first satellite I suffered a bad beat and went from 200 chips to winning because of the silly mistakes that others made.

After two double ups and several blind steals I was actually in good shape again, until I lost a coinflip and was crippled. It was down to three handed and I moved all in, and both of the other players called as they should have. But instead of checking it down, the first player moved all in with top pair. I hit my ace on the turn and if they had both checked the other player would have hit their set on the river knocking me out.

No one there showed any basic knowledge of satellite play, giving most 2p2ers a pretty significant edge I imagine.

The second game I played I went out on the bubble unfortunately, but I can't wait to play in the qualifier on thursday. Please tell me what it's like whenever any of you play it. Thanks.

[Dog Boy]

And now for the Main Event! I'll be playing the second flight.

Played the Sunday qualifier and made it into the top 30. Competition is definitely better than that in the satellites. The first table I was on had a local pro and four other very strong players. Able to hold my own with them and realized that a number of other players respect my game.

Starting chip count for qualifier is 10,000. I figured if I could build my stack to 50,000 then I'd probably qualify. Most of the night I was card dead. I won less than a dozen hands, but a couple of them were large pots.

Defining hand of the night: Three players in hand. Myself, the BB whom I had taken 7,000 from a couple of hands earlier, and some broad who limped from mid-position.

I had As2s and limped from the SB. Flop brings an ace and two clubs. I push (poor impulse control). The BB calls for 4400 and then this woman calls my all-in for 29,000 (I have her covered). I know she doesn't have an ace because she limped. BB had JJ, broad had flush draw.

After I scoop the pot I have slightly more than 65,000 in chips. From here I set my glide path for descent. I took a couple of other pots, and lost a few with AK/AQ and pocket pairs that didn't improve.

Upon return from the final break I had ~35,000 in chips. Antes/blinds are 400/2,000/4,000. We were down to 34 players and I finally get my rush -- AJ, KJ, AJ, KK. Folded every single one. When they stopped the game, I was down to ~25,000 in chips.

Two primary challenges for me tonight. FIrst was to refrain from getting caught up in too many pots when I had a large stack. The other was folding my way into the money when were were down to 39 players. I was constantly asking myself if I had enough chips to let the shorter stacks get knocked out or if I should play my good cards.

See you guys at the final table! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Bluegrassplayer]

Thanks a ton for the info!

So what amount do you think is enough to start just folding everything?

[CincyLady]

Good for you, Dog boy! I will tell all the two plus two'rs here, play quality hands, and play tight and you'll get your seat to the ME.

I was at table 12, Seat 1, and that's where I stayed all night.

I was at for the most part, a very tight table, and most of the players respected each other.

The exception was the calling station donkey in seat 4. He would call just about anything, with just about any ace.

One word of warning here, you need to be sure you raise larger than you normally do, preflop. IE: Instead of 3 times the blind preflop, you should go 4 or 5 times the blind. This because in another hand, this other quality player raised with his A/K preflop only 2 or 3 times the blind, and got called by someone (other than the donkey) with Ace/4 suited, and almost got felted when the guy got quads on the turn. I later told Mike (the Quality player, if it had been me, he would of been felted, because I could see Mike was ready to put in all his chips and call anything.

As for me, I also was card dead most of the night, but alas, I went out just after it got down to 5 tables (the final 3 tables will qualify for their ME seats each night). This one play is what started my downfall.

I'm in the BB, the blinds are 400 and 800, with the ante 100, and the donkey in seat 4, raises it up to 2500. Mike the quality player, who only 2500 left, goes in for that.

Now, I know that Mike has a hand, he's a really great player, and I've played up against him before. He in turn knows he's in deep dodo if I call this.

I look down and find A/K o/s, and since this will knock a player out if I win, I simply call.

Flop comes, all cards lower than 9, and rainbow, but higher than 3.

I check, Donkey now goes all in (with a dry pot no less), and he has me covered.

I have no pair and no draw, I have to fold.

Donkey turns over his pocket pair of 3's, Mike turns over pocket jacks.

Turn comes, it's an ace (of course), Mike thanks the donkey for protecting his hand (donkey goes out about 1/2 hr later btw).

In the meantime, this put a dent into my stack, and I know I'm going to have to work it to get it back up again.

I am able to take down a few small pots, but I'm short stacked.

Finally with the blinds at 1k and 2k, and the ante at 200, I am down to just around 8k.

I look down (gawd I wish I hadn't or had been in the big blind instead of the UTG), and see pocket 2's. I've been card dead for over an hour here, and decide like it or not, I've got to go with my baby pair.

Just my luck, the guy next to me wakes up with A/K o/s, and calls, flop brings an Ace, turn a king, and river another ace, and I'm out.

I still have 3 more chances, tonight, Wednesday night, and Thursday night.

[jackhigh]

Won my ME seat last night! Definitely tougher than the Sit n Go's. I would shoot for about 50k in chips before putting it on cruise control. If you are shortish in stack (15-20k) and you make it to about 40 players - try to steal from the BIGGER stacks because they pretty much stop playing unless they have aces (I folded alot of quality hands that I would normally would have played).

GOOD LUCK!
See ya on Saturday, PM slot. /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[DanielleRB]

Thanks for the updates Cincy and Jackhigh - I appreciate the player insight.

A couple of questions:

Did people play the satellite structure theory as it got close?

How long did it take to get from 40 to 30 players?

What time did the "money/30 ME seats" hit?

Any other word on how the other qualifiers are selling?

[CincyLady]

Danielle, not sure what you mean by "satellite structure theory".

As for question #2, alas, I was gone by then. While I was very proud of myself for getting that far (out lasting 100 other players) I went out when we had less than 50 players.

When I went out, it was about 11:15 pm, and we had a late start (we started at about 7pm), as IMO, the room underestimated how long it would take players to be registered. This as you had to sign away your image rights to play.

FYI, they told us to be there 45 minutes early, but IMO, they really need for ppl to be there 1 1/2 hrs early to get everyone checked in and so on.

Also, a disturbing thing as well here, the room was NOT checking picture ID's, only players cards, plus they were NOT checking names against the list of players already signed up.

As a result, if someone wanted to, they could of had a friend play for them, and simply used their players card.

We even had some players try to sit down with their certs, who had not signed up for Sunday nights play. The room had to make an announcement telling players that if they had not pre-registered for that night's qualifier they couldn't play because it was sold.

Luckily the (extra) players got up and handed over their seats to registered players, or else it would of been a mess.

Currently, Qualifiers seem to be selling out the day before, but that could change as we get closer to the wire.

I'd also like to know from dogboy and Jackhigh what time the whole shabang ended.

I was also impressed by how seriously most of the other players were taking these qualifiers.

You could of heard a pin drop for the first hour of play, because almost everyone was so concentrated on playing good.

[DanielleRB]

Thanks Cincy! I by satellite structure play, I mean did people get that they didn't need to "win" the whole thing, but just play get to 30 - I would bet things slowed down dramatically when it got to 40 players.

I will plan on getting up there a little earlier than originally planned - thanks!

[Dog Boy]

<font color="red"> If anyone wants a ticket to the Main Event PM me today! </font>

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Cincy! I by satellite structure play, I mean did people get that they didn't need to "win" the whole thing, but just play get to 30 - I would bet things slowed down dramatically when it got to 40 players.

I will plan on getting up there a little earlier than originally planned - thanks!

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I noticed that many players didn't 'get it' that this isn't your standard poker type of tourney.

They tried to play poker like you were going to get money, instead of just a seat.

Where I lived for 15 years, in Cincinnati, they had an event called the Reeses Charity Events, where the GP was 10k, but you had to get intp the ME via qualifiers much like this is, so I have lots of experience playing in these types of qualifiers.

I had warned Dog Boy ahead of time not to fall into the trap of playing poker, when it got close. That if he had the chips to coast, that he should do so, to win his seat.

Number one rule in Qualifiers (or in reality, any poker event), is to remember why you are there in the first place.

However, most up there in Blackhawk are not used to playing in qualifiers like this, so they'd try to play poker, and play their quality hands and get knocked out just short of the seat (gawd I wish I'd of folded those duces, preflop, but in my situation, I wasn't getting cards, and I knew 8k just wasn't enough to coast to wait for 2 more tables to collapse either).

Forget this lesson, and boom, you've just wasted your time.

I find that once you get to 'flight level' where you can coast, where according to Dog Boy seems to be about 50k with 4 tables left, don't even look at your hands, just fold them.

This because I don't know too many players out there, if they get pocket aces, who instead won't play them no matter what.

[jackhigh]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the updates Cincy and Jackhigh - I appreciate the player insight.

A couple of questions:

Did people play the satellite structure theory as it got close?

How long did it take to get from 40 to 30 players?

What time did the "money/30 ME seats" hit?

Any other word on how the other qualifiers are selling?

[/ QUOTE ]

In the beginning play good solid straight up poker. There are still donkeys around so its very hard to use any fancy moves - they will call you down with 1 pair etc. Identify the good players at your table so you know who will lay down to your bluffs. At my first table (maybe the same for others) there was a non-local "hotshot" who was re-raising all the time and thought he could run over us "mountain hayseeds" - he was the first one out! Bu-Bye- go back to Vegas!! Another non-local "superstar" took his chair - tried to do the same thing - he doubled me up and was gone the next hand - Bu-Bye!!!

*Note to the out of town "superstars". There are several VERY GOOD local players who play 3-4 NL tourneys a week up there. Trust me, you ain't gonna waltz in and take over the table.

Not sure what the "satellite structure" is but almost all stacks in the 40-50k range played super tight when it got down to 40-45 players. Don't let your stack dwindle past 15-20k in hopes of squeaking in - you'll just run up against another short stack "going for broke" after you blind down. Push all in against stacks in the 35-45k range - they will avoid a 15-20k push like the plague! (I saw AK and Queens folding to big bets!)

It got down from 40-30 pretty fast (maybe an hour?) as the big blinds and antes starting eating the short stacks.

It ended around 12:30ish - we waited another 20-30 minutes to do our ME registration.

My best advice: Don't try and squeak in with a micro stack - a guy at my table blinded down from 15K to about 4k! Of course when he went all in he had 3 other callers and my 8-3 beat his A10! Start pushing with 15-20k against the super tight 30-40k stacks. Just stealing a few blinds and antes will keep you very healthy.

Hope this helps. Good Luck! /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[DanielleRB]

Thanks Jack - good info!

[CincyLady]

Danielle, were you able to get your day moved from Tuesday (since you said you were going out of town)? If so, what day are you playing?

[DanielleRB]

I didn't get it moved...but moved my business trip! That is pathetic! LOL

So I will be playing tonight and tomorrow.

[CincyLady]

LOL ... moving your business trip for a poker event? Congrats Danielle, you are indeed a true poker degen then (like myself I might add)! /images/graemlins/wink.gif

See you up there tonight then!

[The Bus Driver]

I played in the Sunday night qualifier and bubbled out... in 32nd or 33rd place. I was working a short stack since the first break. The satellites were pretty easy, but the qualifier had a lot of very good players in it. I do I think a lot of people severely underestimate just how good the tournament players are in Colorado. Maybe it's because the cash games are so terrible, the best poker here probably is the tournaments and the best local players are in the tournaments. There were 5-6 very good players with WSOP bracelets and multiple WSOP/WPT cashes at my table. It's no cruise to the money.

Anyway, my story is I busted out because I lost a couple decent size pots and was working a short stack pretty much from the first break all the way to the end. I just couldn't catch anything to get back ahead of the antes. I busted out in 33rd place because I didn't have enough to be able to coast in and went in with 44 and ran up against KK. I even hit my set, but what do you know, he did too. What luck. Oh well. It was a good time.

Meh. I'm not going to keep trying. I bought into my one $75 and almost made it into the ME. I'm not really a tournament player any more (used to play SNGs for about a year before switching back to cash), although that was pretty fun, so I might pick it up again.

Good luck to those who made it into the main event. Maybe I'll catch you on my TiVo.

As for how fast everything goes at the end, it really started to go quick once the antes hit 200. 65 down to 40 went pretty quickly. 40 to 35 went quicker yet. 35 to 30 didn't go quick enough for me. If you have 30-40k with 35-40 people left, start coasting. You don't have that high an M, but you can make it. If you've got 60k-80k with 40 people left, just go to the bar.

I did see two pretty good hands last night. One was JJ vs. KK vs. ATs, the JJ hit quad Js and tripled up. Then, there was AA vs. KK vs. QQ. The AA held up and tripled. They both then coasted to the end.

[MrHorace]

Congrats on your entry into the HPT!
I enjoyed your post tremendously as it shows you really have good command of your poker game!
I played a handful or so of the satellites, but played so poorly I'm sending myself back to school. :&gt;
Good luck in the tourney!

[CincyLady]

Meh ... busted out in the first hour on my 2nd try. I was wiped out from last night (I just can't stay up like I could when I was in my 20's).

As such,Donkella (http://www.tworags.com/index.php?ACTION=blogs&amp;todo=view&amp;ID=803) happily escaped her cage and was my undoing.

I went out after I tried to bluff on the river when I missed my nut flush draw.

I have 3 more tries left, Wednesday night, Thursday night, and Friday morning.

BTW, they've sold out of Tuesday night, and when I left there was a line out the door of people signing up for Wednesday night.

I was also told they are (now) considering inserting alternates for the ME if they oversell the event (a very real possiblity I was told tonight).

I was told in addition, that if you play on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday nights, if the noon/10am events run over, then the 6:30 pm events won't start on time.

If for some reason come 1:30 am they are not down to 3 tables, then play will be stopped and chip totals taken.

Top 30 chip counts will then win the seats.

This is because they need to have everyone out the door and on the street by 2am, no exceptions.

[CincyLady]

So, Danielle, did you and/or your Hubby qualify last night?

[CincyLady]

One more thing BTW when I was there last night, the line to register for the Qualifiers was out the door of the poker room.

Tuesday was already sold out, and Wednesday was almost sold out, as were the other days.

Thus, if you want to play in this, I suggest you go up there tonight and register for Wednesday if open, but for sure Thursday or Friday.

Then if you want to play in a tourney tonight, you can always go over to either colorado station or the Gilpin to play in one there, or play some live action (puke, I hate colorado live action poker period) at the Gates (as the Gates does have a really nice poker room I must admit).

[Ultra Violet]

How are the cash games at the Gates right now? The same as usual?

[CincyLady]

I wouldn't know, Colorado live action poker makes me want to puke (I hate it that much).

BTW, is anyone here, planning on going up to Deadwood next week/weekend (the 10th through the 21st), to play in the HPT there?

I have plane and hotel reservations, but I've spent a tad too much on the HPT event up in Blackhawk, so I'm really unsure now if I'm going up there or not.

What would REALLY suck, is where I've paid here in Qualifiers the amount I could of paid in Deadwood, yet not actually get to play in the ME here.

[DanielleRB]

I busted out about 55th last night. I had accumulated 30K and then played one hand pretty bad to cut my stack in half, but the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem right? LOL

I would have been right back in it if my AK versus AQ would have held up - with a flop of AA2 - of course a Q on the turn! Bummer!

My husband is playing tonight and Thursday and I am also playing tonights...two each should be enough to get in, but we will see! Babysitter schedules to deal with.

Good luck all! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Grasshopp3r]

Good luck to all here. The qualification process should get easier as the week goes on.

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
<font color="red"> If anyone wants a ticket to the Main Event PM me today! </font>

[/ QUOTE ]

<font color="blue"> !!!NO MORE!!! </font>

[Dog Boy]

[ QUOTE ]
Good luck to all here. The qualification process should get easier as the week goes on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice level.

[The Bus Driver]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Good luck to all here. The qualification process should get easier as the week goes on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice level.

[/ QUOTE ]
I would expect it to get easier. I'd rather play in one of the later qualifiers than the first one. It's too bad all the later ones were during the work week.

[drew5927]

hey if anyone is trying to get rid of a main event seat, send me a pm

[CincyLady]

FYI, there are some ppl here:

http://denver.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=heartland%20poker

offering seats up on Craig's list

[CincyLady]

[ QUOTE ]
I busted out about 55th last night. I had accumulated 30K and then played one hand pretty bad to cut my stack in half, but the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem right? LOL

I would have been right back in it if my AK versus AQ would have held up - with a flop of AA2 - of course a Q on the turn! Bummer!

My husband is playing tonight and Thursday and I am also playing tonights...two each should be enough to get in, but we will see! Babysitter schedules to deal with.

Good luck all! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

So, how did you guys do? Did you get in last night?

Did any other 2 plus 2'rs get in last night?

I'm making my 3rd try tonight, and gawd I hope I make it this time! /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Ultra Violet]

What was up with all the warning buttons? I heard they have been giving out penalties to people left and right?

[Dog Boy]

Yeah. I received a penalty button for accidentally flipping my cards up while mucking.

Word was that the second warning sent you to the rail for 30 minutes. /images/graemlins/mad.gif